SDLHS have been involved in a number of successful digs and excavations over the years including Tigh Caol Dig and Loch Eck Bloomery. Plus a couple of our members travelled up to be involved with the Wilkhouse Inn Dig.
Go to http://www.archaeologyreportsonline.com/reports/2015/ARO17 to find information about the Tigh Caol Dig. Also the following link to the Wilkhouse Inn, a similar Dig on behalf of Donald Adamson, excavations carried out by GUARD Archaeology Ltd, directed by Warren Bailie. https://www.archaeologyreportsonline.com/PDF/ARO37_Wilkhouse.pdf
We hope to have further links soon. In the meantime please have a look at our recent update on the Tigh Caol dig with thanks to Gerry Burke and Gordon Neish (Dunoon Observer and Argyllshire Standard) You can find this article if you scroll down to the end of the section on Tigh Caol. (You may need to zoom in to be able to read this very interesting item)
We have also been involved in Plane Table Survey training with Scotlands Rural Past at –
Benvalaglen, head of Glen Fyne
Old buildings at Eas Sarachan, Strathlachlan
Strachurbeg Crofts
Chapelverna (Strachurmore), Coinaig (Upper Succoth) and Dufeorline (Ben Lagan) have also been projects we have explored and researched.
MEDIEVAL BLOOMERY SITE AT LOCH ECK
TIGH CAOL
Tigh Caol remained hidden for all these years, through Bella Douglas in her book, ‘A History of Strachur and District’ (1968) writes: ‘The Strachur Policeman’s beat for this district ends at the top of Leanach hill, where at one time, an Inn called Cailleach-glas stood. Beside it is the Bridge of the Gray Lady. The Gray Lady haunts this part of the Glen road. She crosses and re-crosses, wringing her hands and moaning. Some folks have seen her, and one man, still resident in the district, says he has seen her several times’.
But, then, in 2014, Donald Adamson asked Strachur and District Local History Society if we would get involved in his Dig. Were we ever the privileged ones! What an amazing experience, taking part in an archaeological Dig under the direction of GUARD – Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (now GUARD Archaeology Ltd).
Adding to that, we had local schools visiting and digging! One wee boy loved it so much that he brought his wee brother and his father on a Saturday, for the day!
Now it is all grown over again, but we know what is under the turf and it is all written and recorded in the Local History archives.
SDLHS would like to thank GUARD for their permission to add the following photos to our website
