Volunteers help archaeologists uncover history during excavations at Brodie Castle
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VOLUNTEERS helped archaeologists make historic finds on the second ever exploratory dig in the grounds of a historic local building.
With help from members of the public, the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) carried out excavations at Brodie Castle from Tuesday, September 20 to Sunday, September 25 to uncover its medieval landscape.
Co-organiser and NTS archaeologist, Dr Daniel Rhodes, explained: “Digs are necessary to help with conservation and develop our understanding of history. The only previous at Brodie Castle was in 2019 and identified a ditch which was hoped is part of a medieval enclosure.”
The first castle at Brodie was built around 1566 and remains standing as the south-west tower of the current building. The tower would have been within an enclosure and surrounded by smaller buildings where the estate’s daily work took place.
The recent digs were open to all with the necessary equipment provided. A total of 186 volunteers including scouts and older adults helped out over the three days.
Dr Rhodes said: “History belongs to everybody. It’s important to work with young people to create heritage advocates for the future.”
The digs revealed what the team believe are the remains of a demolished building that there was previously no record of.
Dr Rhodes said: “It seems it predates the 18th century estate plan. We also found a piece of pottery that may be medieval, glass bottles from the 1700s, cobble tracks and flooring.”
At 10am on Monday, October 17, NTS have organised Jurassic Brodie, featuring giant dinosaur puppets wandering around the Playful Garden.
Dr Rhodes said: “See them walk around, get your photo taken, and speak to the rangers to learn more.”
Light show ‘Brodie Illuminated 2022’ is planned for November 2 at 5pm.
See www.nts.org.uk for more information.
