We are a small unit set up to excavate archaeological sites in Galloway. Since 1991 we have been concentrating on excavating the southern Bailey and associated defence's of Buittle Castle. This excavation has now closed, and we are currently working on the excavation of motte at Ingleston and Neolithic sites at Newbarns. For further details about any of the excavations please contact us at the address below.

Please note : Visitors are welcome at Newbarns, but Ingleston is closed to the public due to its location.

Click Here for a location map of Newbarns. (The Site is just west of Drumburn - Newbarns North is between the loch and the road to Newbarns House, while Newbarns South is just on the left hand side when you turn off the A710 to Newbarns). 

Parking is in the same field as the South site.  As soon as you turn on to the estate road open the Gate on the left and drive in - shutting it after you.

     

Interim Report News from Ingleston Motte Dig - 2008 Further excavations on the 12^th/13^th century defended wooden fort have continued this season despite some adverse weather conditions.   The smithing furnace on the SE edge of the motte has been planned, recorded, and since dismantled down to the natural. Evidence of possible flooring (cobbling) is appearing in the area considered to be the central part of the building, together with post holes.   Further evidence of smithing to the south side of this (outside the building)has recently been underlined by the finding of quantities of  “hammer scale”. Finds have included two medieval iron arrow heads, a medieval spear head, quantities of medieval galena glazed reduced greenware and iron objects (mostly clenched nails and rivets).  Iron ingots and slag from the furnace walls have also been retrieved.   The positioning and recorded positions of the nails have helped to show the direction of the main timbers falling as the burning building collapsed.  Further areas consisting of burnt clay containing charcoal and pieces of bone have been identified and are currently awaiting investigation. Contributions so far this season have been made by students Archie and William (Durham University), and Richard from Newcastle University. Returning  volunteers have included GP Donna, who was prised away from Newbarns and her medical practice, and Ken and Alex, who gave their invaluable expert assistance, which is always greatly appreciated.  Early season site preparation from Meurig Hughes, our Welsh wizard, was a great help, as was all the work done by Trust members Roy and Alastair, Barbara and her son Ruarhi, and of course Lizzie, who is sorting out all our organisational problems.

     

South Site to date has got 14 Neolithic Bronze Age burials and Iron Age Crannog occupation evidence.

North Site now comprises 2 Cairns. The larger one exhibits evidence of 32 Neolithic Bronze Age burials and a smaller Satellite Cairn is exhibiting evidence of Early Bronze Age burials covered by huge capstones and to date, dating evidence has been recovered in the form of a barbed and tanged arrowhead.  Later medieval evidence of defence-works are also present.

     

Volunteers on any of our excavations may gain experience in Surveying, Excavation, Planning, Section Drawing,Finds Washing and may even participate in Historical Visits.  please see our Volunteers page for further details.