The Kilwinning dig begins!

The Kilwinning Community Archaeology Project will start its excavations in Kilwinning Abbey on Wednesday 18th August. To mark the occasion a ‘turf breaking ceremony’ will take place at 11am on that Wednesday when Erica Lockett, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire will wield the first spade. All are welcome to attend the ceremony to witness the beginning of the project.

This is the first season of the archaeological excavations which will explore the origins of the Abbey and surrounding areas of the town. The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, who were the catalyst for this project developing the Kilwinning & District Preservation Society’s hopes through their Kilwinning Town Regeneration Plan.

All the work on-site will be done by teams of up to twenty volunteers each day from the community, with professional support from Rathmell Archaeology Ltd. This season’s works will run from Wednesday 18th August to Saturday 18th September, with the teams working on-site between Wednesday and Saturday each week.

During the excavations the Abbey Tower Heritage Centre will be open for longer hours, staffed by both members of the Kilwinning & District Preservation Society and volunteers from the project. Opening hours for Wednesday to Saturday will be from 10.30am to 4pm and on Sundays 1pm to 3pm.

Throughout the excavations the public are welcome to visit the excavations, explore the Abbey, discover the past of Kilwinning in the Heritage Centre and climb the tower for a stunning view of the town and Ayrshire. You can also follow the project and ask questions of the team on Facebook.

Photo: Excavations underway 24th July 1961 over West Range after demolition of post-medieval structures. Note wall (later removed) behind site hut which obscures facade of Chapter House. © Historic Scotland