The discovery of a very rare Roman tombstone in 2007 will be just one of the important talks at the 2008 East Lothian archaeology conference to be held at Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh on Saturday 22 November. Dr Fraser Hunter, principal curator of Roman Archaeology at the National Museums Scotland, will be describing the discovery and significance of the stone together with why this discovery provides some of the strongest evidence yet that Inveresk was a pivotal Roman site in northern Britain.

Throughout the day there will be talks by leading archaeologists and community project representatives on a range of archaeological projects and discoveries from the last 12 months.

Following the significant prehistoric discoveries unearthed prior to the dualling of the A1, the excavation work by archaeologists from Glasgow University has been completed and published. Gavin MacGregor and Olivia Lelong will be giving a final update on the findings of their work and what the post excavation analysis has revealed.

Work at the MacArthur's Stores on the side of Cromwell Harbour in Dunbar over the summer have discovered some remarkable findings. Tom Addyman will be describing how historic building recording has pushed back the date of this building, identified the remains of an exceptionally rare merchant vessel and found the remains of the original and late medieval harbour of Dunbar.

Ian Malcolm from Aberlady Conservation Society, will be describing their heritage project which has been exploring Aberlady's medieval (and earlier) past. Research has identified that Aberlady played a significant role during the early Christian period and had links with holy places such as Lindisfarne and Iona. With the help of CFA Archaeology, volunteers have been investigating some of the archaeological remains discovered along the coast and these have identified the substantial remains of what appears to be a structure associated with Aberlady's medieval harbour. This will be the first evidence of a formal harbour ever found at Aberlady.

Two talks will be examining the evidence for medieval settlement, land use and burial in the Lothians. Biddy Simpson, Heritage Officer for East Lothian Council said “We are very fortunate to have Professor Richard Oram from the University of Stirling presenting us with a talk. Not only has he conducted extensive research into this period and will be talking about medieval land management and its subsequent consequences but he is an fantastic and interesting speaker”.

Mike Roy from AOC Archaeology will be examining the recent evidence for medieval burial across the Lothians.

Other talks include the discovery of Roman remains at Newbridge; the recent and ongoing archaeological work at Cramond, and; George Haggary's work on the Portobello Potteries.

The archaeology conference will be held on Saturday, November 22nd (930am-5pm) at Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh. Tickets £20 (£12 concession). Advance bookings are recommended but tickets will also available on the day. A buffet lunch (£7) will also be available but this needs to be booked in advance.

Programmes and booking form available in libraries, John Muir House, on www.eastlothian.gov.uk  or by contacting 01620 827408 or bookings@eastlothian.gov.uk