Auchindrain hidden gems
BUDDING archaeologists are being given the chance to take part in an excavation at Auchindrain Museum.
THE STONES of Auchindrain hold plenty of secrets but a new archaeological dig aims to reveal a little more about the historic township.
And if you want to be involved – and are within the teens to 20s age group – there are still spaces available on the team taking on the investigation.
The popular museum between Furnace and Inveraray has been awarded grant funding totalling more than £13,000 to excavate two ruined buildings on the site, of which little is known.
The Auchindrain Trust has received grant worth £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with a further donation of £3,500 from Museums Galleries Scotland helping to fund the project.
Professional archaeologists will lead a team of 12 young people as they excavate the remains of two buildings near the museum entrance.
Auchindrain Museum curator and director Bob Clark is excited about the project.
‘We don’t really know anything about the buildings. We know from old maps that they were abandoned by the late 19th century, but nothing else. We may find a treasure trove but, on the other hand, we might turn up very little.
‘The point is that we will have made the effort and the young people will see how an excavation is carried out.’
The residential dig, which is expected to last around two weeks from August 1, is aimed at young people from urban and rural backgrounds with some form of disadvantage, whether geographic, economic or otherwise.
‘This is an exciting, innovative project and it’s something we haven’t done before.’
He added: ‘The young people will get to experience living very much like the people they are investigating, with no electricity or internet access.
‘But they will also learn about living and working together as a group.’
Mr Clark stressed that the youngsters will be properly supervised and supported during their time at the museum.
Two places on the dig team are available for Mid Argyll candidates, so if you are interested, or know of a young person who might be, contact Bob Clark at info@auchindrain.org.uk or call 01499 500235.