Andrew Selkirk

Selkirk was born in 1937 and attended his very first dig aged 13 years old. He did his National Service in the Intelligence Corps, where he learnt Russian. He then read Classics at Oxford, where he became President of the Oxford University Archaeological Society.

According to the Northamptonshire Archaeological Society, Selkirk 'has gone on to become well known throughout British archaeology'. He has worked with a number of archaeological societies and organisations. In addition to his appointments as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and Vice-President of the Royal Archaeological Institute, he is Chairman of the Council for Independent Archaeology, and co-founder of the British Archaeological Awards. As noted by the Archaeology and Contemporary Society of Liverpool University, 'The Council for Independent Archaeology was created in 1989 to ensure that the interests of independent/amateur archaeologists do not get lost in the face of the increasing professionalisation and specialisation of archaeologists and archaeological practice'.

He has served on the councils of the Roman Society and the Prehistoric Society, and has lectured on 'The Valletta Convention', and 'The Public Face of Archaeology', amongst other subjects. He continues to promote amateur archaeology and archaeology independent of government. According to the Adam Smith Institute, Selkirk 'advocates the use of Independence Impact Statements as part of a drive to end the capture of Britain's Arts and Heritage'.

In May 2000, Selkirk appeared as a studio guest on the BBC programme, Talking Point On Air, presented by Robin Lustig, debating the subject 'Whose art is it anyway?' He has been quoted in The Guardian, condemning cuts to funding on the British Museum.

He is married to Wendy (née Frost) and they have three children, Fiona, Alexander and Robert, and four grandchildren.