Open Day at Dig on Monday 19 August 2019
August 2019
There will be guided tours of an area on the lower slopes of Bennachie where an archaeological dig is taking place this summer on Monday 19th August 2019 at 11:30 and 14:30.
A map and instructions to find the site will be posted at the Rowantree Car Park and at the Bennachie Centre. Visitors should allow up to forty five minutes to reach the dig. The work is being done in an area off the turnpike track that links the two car parks. The site is in the grounds of Pittodrie House Hotel and is taking place with the kind permission of Macdonald Hotels who own the estate.Tours will be given by archaeologist Colin Shepherd a member of the Bennachie Landscapes Group; a joint project of the Bailies of Bennachie and the University of Aberdeen.
Colin said: “Volunteers have been working in this area two days a week since the start of July. This is a really exciting project and so far we have discovered evidence of habitation dating back hundreds of years.”
"There is clear evidence of a dwelling along with other building remains. An old trackway, enclosure banks and drystane dykes also indicate a landscape with a very complicated history.”
“We have had people calling by during the dig and are always happy to explain what is happening. The open day next Monday will give an opportunity for people to find out more about this project.”
The dig will be continuing until the end of August. Volunteers are welcome to come and help with the excavations. Work will start at 10am and continue until 4.30. Please contact info@bailiesofbennachie.co.uk to book to take part and find out the days the dig is on.
A complete list of dates is available on the Bailies of Bennachie web site www.bailiesofbennachie.co.uk/calendar.