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General Forum >> Community archaeology project in East Lothian re-starts dig
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Community archaeology project in East Lothian re-starts dig |
Andy B
Joined:
13-02-2001
Messages: 7043
from Surrey, UK
 OFF-Line
|  Posted 28-07-2007 at 22:03
Archaeologists take up their trowels again at Prestongrange
Phase 2 of the Prestongrange Community Archaeology Project in Prestonpans, East Lothian is due to start again in June following funds being successfully secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund, East Lothian Council, Historic Scotland, Scottish Power, the Friends of Prestongrange, and the Society of Antiquaries.
Biddy Simpson, East Lothian Council Heritage Officer said “Since we stopped work at the site, over a year ago, we have been working on pulling together the project design for Phase 2 of the archaeology project and making sure that we had all the financial support in place. Now that we have that, everyone is really looking forward to starting work on the project again.”
Between 2004-2006 the remains of an underground vaulted building and the tantalising remains of other associated buildings were identified. These are believed to be the remains of a 17th century glassworks and later pottery, which once occupied the site. Two assemblages of late 18th century locally made pottery attributed to a very narrow date range are as yet unparalleled anywhere in Scotland. Both the flue and the pottery assemblages are considered to be of National Importance owing to their uniqueness within the Scottish archaeological record.
In Phase 2, which will run from June until 2009, the plans are to open up a number of larger areas to investigate more of the glassworks and the pottery. In common with previous years, volunteers will be given the opportunity to work with a small professional team of archaeologists learning how to excavate and record the archaeological remains as they emerge.
Dr Melanie Johnson (of locally based archaeological company-CFA Archaeology Ltd), who will be leading the excavations in the field, said “It's a fantastic opportunity for local people to get involved in an archaeological project, helping to discover new information about their local industrial heritage and contributing to this project in a variety of ways. It's very rewarding to see the enthusiasm of the volunteers and help them develop their skills.”
In addition to the fieldwork, there will be further historical research, analysis of the pottery sherds from Phase1, local reminiscence projects, opportunities for young people to get involved, open days and exhibitions.
Dianne Laing, one of the local volunteers from Innerwick, said “I am really looking forward to getting back with the team and working with new people too. Prestongrange was my first taste of practical field archaeology and since then I have worked on many other sites in the county. It is a fantastic learning experience and great fun. I recommend anyone interested to give it a try, no matter what your ability”.
Places are filling up fast but if you want to be involved in the project please contact Biddy Simpson 01620 827158 or bsimpson1@eastlothian.gov.uk
To find out more about the project and to keep up to date with new discoveries go to http://www.prestongrange.org/pcap or visit your local East Lothian library to borrow a copy of the Phase 1 community archaeology project on DVD. Open Days will be held as part of East Lothian Archaeology Week 2007 (September 8th-17th).
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