Archaeology fans are sure to dig Bowhill’s latest event

12th June, 2017

Beginners will get a chance to try their hands at excavation work, with exciting archaeology workshops lined up at Bowhill House and Country Estate in Selkirk this month.

Four ‘Dig Bowhill’ sessions – organised to celebrate VisitScotland’s year of History, Heritage and Archaeology – will take place on June 24 and 25 to explore the hidden secrets of the Estate.

The site of a pre-Roman fort lies just a stone’s throw from the courtyard at Bowhill, so a number of 1m-square test-pits will be created to investigate the site.

Those with an interest in archaeology can come along, get their hands dirty, and take part in these archaeological digs.

Matt Thompson, House Duty Manager, has previous experience leading digs of this type and organised the special workshops.

He said: “We want to use the weekend to better understand Bowhill’s ancient past, while giving people the chance to get hands-on archaeology experience.

“In particular, we want to get an insight into the nature of the occupation and use of this pre-Roman site, and to see if there is any evidence of continuity into later periods.

“After the excavation, all finds will be analysed, and participants will be invited to a presentation on the results.”

The beginners’ sessions, which last three hours, are suitable for those aged 14 and over, and all materials and instruction are provided.

For children, a trail will be available to learn more about archaeology, with the chance to do a little digging of their own. There will also be a walking trail taking in the excavation and some of the older and less visited parts of the Estate, and on Sunday there will be guided Landscape Walks.

Landscape Walks will take place at 12noon and 2pm on June 25, and cost £3.50 per person.

The Archaeology Workshops take place on June 24 and 25 from 10am-1pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm, and cost £10 per session.  Participants can opt to take part in more than one session if they wish.