New project digs around Kilwinning’s past

An exciting new project is being launched which will see local people dig into Kilwinning’s historic past as part of the work to shape the town’s future.

The idea for the Kilwinning community archaeology project was initiated by Kilwinning and District Preservation Society and Irvine Bay Regeneration Company as a part of the wider regeneration plans for the town.

Following initial feasibility work completed by local archaeology specialist Rathmell Archaeology, the project is now going ahead run by Kilwinning and District Preservation Society during the summers of 2010 and 2011. The project is will cost £90,000, funded equally by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Irvine Bay, and with other support from North Ayrshire Council, Historic Scotland and West of Scotland Archaeology Service.

The project will explore the main viable historic remains in and around the town, including Kilwinning Abbey.

The core elements of the community-led project will be:

• archive research into the known evolution of the abbey and burgh;
• building a record of the fabric of the historic abbey;
• archaeological excavation around the burgh to investigate the origins of the secular settlement;
• archaeological excavation within the abbey to explore the evolution of the abbey buildings; and
• the use of oral history to record the personal accounts of the modern changes that have been wrought on Kilwinning’s townscape and environment.

Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive of Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, said: “This project will enable those taking part to learn about the origin and evolution of Kilwinning through the discipline of archaeology.

“But equally important, the discoveries made by the project will support the future conservation of the historic aspects of Kilwinning.”

James Miller from the Preservation Society said: “This is a really exciting project. Volunteers, with professional support, will be involved in historical research, oral history studies, survey, excavation, post-excavation analyses and reporting tasks. The broader community will be able to provide input into the development of the project and to hear about the findings of the work through public meetings, leaflets and internet mounted resources.”