Dumfries and Galloway community archaeology project enters final stages

Hundreds of volunteers have taken part in a community archaeology project.

The Can You Dig It programme was started four years ago as part of the Galloway Glens Scheme, giving people the chance to find out more about the archaeology and history of the Ken/Dee valley.

It has included digs, field walks and a series of online events and is now entering its final stages, with additional money secured from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland to allow one last burst of work.

That will include one final dig and a scheme called Building Biographies, which aims to uncover the stories of some of Galloway’s country houses.

Rathmell Archaeology’s Claire Williamson, who has led the work since the project began in 2019, said: “Over the last four years, we’ve been amazed by the support and enthusiasm of the community when it comes to their local heritage, and this will never change.

“Our Building Biographies project has already seen 57 people sign up to research more than 60 houses across Galloway. Between this and our dig in the summer, we’re really looking forward to uncovering some more of Galloway’s hidden secrets during our last year.”

Work already undertaken during the final year has included events on Romans in Galloway and the clearances of southern Scotland.

Galloway Glens education and community engagement officer, Jan Hogarth, said: “The Building Biographies research project is a wonderful way of finding the stories behind our magnificent old buildings in Galloway.

“It is stories that bring buildings alive in our imaginations and give them life. There has been so much interest in this project that I have no doubt researchers may well bring to light discoveries and synergies within the research which may not have been known before.

“The Can You Dig It project has been very helpful in helping arm us with archaeology and historical research skills which can help us in the community find out more about our past.

“I look forward to the next few months of activities and anticipate fascinating findings. We are all so grateful to the project funders – The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland – and to everyone that has got involved in the project.”