An archaeological dig is to take place at “Scotland’s only example of an industrial ghost town”.
And people are being given the chance to take part in the survey at Woodhead near Carsphairn.
The site consists of the remains of an entire mining village – including school, library and houses – as well as the mines working and buildings used for furnacing.
It is being examined on July 13 and 14 by the Can You Dig it community archaeological project as part of Scotland Digs 2022 which aims to celebrate the country’s world class archaeology.
The project, run by the Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership, has also been looking at Neolithic rock art at Torrs Point near Kirkcudbright.
Lead archaeologist at Can You Dig It Claire Williamson said: “We can’t wait to be a part of Scotland Digs 2022. We’ll be busy in Galloway investigating rock art sites, surveying an abandoned mining village and even hanging out amongst 300-year-old gravestones, and the campaign lets us share that work to a countrywide audience.
“We learn so much from Dig It!’s tips and insights and love seeing what everyone else is up to. If you’ve ever been curious about archaeology, then follow the campaign to discover just how easy it is to spend your summer covered in the mud of Scotland’s past.”
Can You Dig It is open to everyone interested in archaeology. Further details can be found at https://gallowayglens.org/projects/community-archaeology-programme-can-you-dig-it/
Project manager at the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s Dig It! project Dr Jeff Sanders said: “As well as bringing stories from the past to life, archaeology helps us think through pressing issues facing our own society.
“This year’s campaign will share the excitement of a summer spent unearthing new stories during Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 while harnessing the imagination this generates to encourage everyone to examine our responses to the climate emergency.
