Dr Murray Cook

the best preserved timber castles in Scotland.

The project will take place this summer and autumn with the main work from September 6-12. It will involve volunteers from the local community and further afield as well as schoolchildren from nearby primary schools.

Forestry Commission Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and Stirling University are also involved. Training will be provided in excavation, metal detecting and Paleoenvironmental coring.

Renovation work will also take place in the cemetery including cleaning of headstones and recording of inscriptions.

The project will involve an audioreport of its progress and outcomes will allow for interpretative signage and ultimately a guide and designated trail linking the sites.

Valley Renewables Group spokesman Iain Macfarlane said:“This will be a great opportunity for Carron Valley residents to appreciate the rich heritage on their doorsteps.

“The castle and the cemetery are not so well known as other important Stirling sites but deserve greater study and recognition.”

Dr Cook said:“Archaeology belongs to us all but it’s often hard to get involved, given paperwork and permissions.

“Thanks to the HLF we’ve been able to sort that so anyone can get involved and connect directly with their past.”