Bute Museum’s winter programme of talks continued this week with an inspiring presentation by Harriet Tatton, a community archaeologist working with DigVentures specialising in excavating and identifying human remains.
DigVentures is an archaeological initiative dedicated to engaging communities in the discovery and preservation of their heritage. It enables local volunteers to get their hands dirty and work alongside a team of professional archaeologists to explore sites of potential interest. Harriet described a project at the ruins of Glengarnock Castle near the Ayrshire coast. They were able to deduce that there were six phases of construction and repair at the site starting from medieval times and established that the site merited further investigation.
She also outlined a survey conducted on the remains of Dunoon Castle and the hillock on which it stands. It was believed that the archaeology of the hill extended beyond the medieval castle itself, reaching into the nineteenth-century landscaped park and gardens. They used non-invasive methods to add detail to the few visible earthworks at the top of the mound. This included geophysical and topographic surveys, photographic building recording and a drone survey. The team discovered buried structures and evidence that little of the original building remains above ground.
A total of 110 people of all ages participated in the project. Harriet stressed that DigVentures strives to work in partnership with the community, increasing opportunities for people to take part in archaeological research and positively contribute to both their natural and cultural heritage.
DigVentures has been at the forefront of using crowdfunding to support its activities and audience members were encouraged to suggest sites of archaeological interest that have not yet been investigated. Harriet was assured that Bute has several promising sites that warranted exploration.
The next event in the Bute Museum’s winter programme is on Tuesday February 3, at 7.30pm. Naturalist and author Leif Bersweden will talk about Couch to 10 Mosses: Bringing Bute’s Bryophytes to Life.
