Kenny Brophy (University of Glasgow; kbrophy@archaeology.arts.gla.ac.uk), Chris Dalglish (University of Glasgow; c.dalglish@archaeology.gla.ac.uk), Alan Leslie (GUARD; a.leslie@archaeology.gla.ac.uk) and Gavin MacGregor (GUARD; g.macgregor@archaeology.gla.ac.uk)

This ‘workshop’ session aims to investigate the ways in which concepts and ideas from theoretical archaeology have become embedded in applied archaeological practice, with especial reference to the environmental impact assessment process. It seeks to address, in particular, the tensions which these ways of thinking create in the highly empirical contexts of the UK planning process and public local inquiries. Can the use of concepts and approaches such as phenomenology, aesthetics and theories of landscapes ever be legitimate and sustainable in such contexts? Should we simply be pragmatic and allow that, for the foreseeable future at least, there is little potential for gaining acceptance beyond our own discipline of a wider basis for evidentiary positions than those traditionally respected in these milieux? Or should we be more forthright in promoting these by now widely recognised and frequently employed approaches within archaeology and, if so, how may we support and defend such approaches from criticism founded on traditionally accepted notions such as measurability, boundedness and consensus.

The session will explore some themes taken from real life situations, with particular reference to the ways in which concepts of the setting of sites have become fundamental to the assessment of the potential for developments to impact upon the integrity of archaeological sites and landscapes. It will seek to examine how the "expertise" of archaeologists might be understood and defined and indeed whether or not, rather than central experts, archaeologists are anything more than peripheral actors on these stages.

This will not be played out in the form of the traditional lecture and discussion format, but rather as a workshop. Participants will be challenged to engage with these issues from a variety of viewpoints. A case study will form the focus of the session, details of which will be made available for delegates to consult through the TAG website in advance of the conference. After some introductory remarks, the session organisers will present a number of brief, role-played presentations concerning the case study based on their own varied engagements with these issues. The intention is that this will act as a catalyst to open up debate to include all present at the session as active participants, through break out and feedback sessions.