A new heritage and archaeology project started last week at Ardrossan Castle as part of the Garnock Connections Landscape Partnership.

Garnock Connections is a Heritage Lottery Fund supported landscape partnership led by the RSPB with Historic Environment Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Wildlife Trust, and North Ayrshire Council.

These organisations are working together with local communities to enhance, improve access to, and promote the natural and cultural heritage around the River Garnock.

The Garnock Connections Community Heritage and Archaeology Project (CHAP), delivered by Northlight Heritage, will run five projects over the next three years. The first project, which launched this week, involves the exploration of Castle Hill.

Ardrossan Castle has a rich and fascinating history and archaeologists from Northlight Heritage, Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society and local volunteers are hoping to reveal some of its secrets.

Dr Paul Murtagh of Northlight Heritage, who is coordinating the CHAP project, said: “The dig at Castle Hill, Ardrossan, is just the start of an exciting three-year heritage and archaeology programme in the region.

“In the next few years we’ll be exploring the important industrial heritage of the area and celebrating the region’s rich medieval history, and we’ll be back at the castle in May for more excavations.

“We’re looking for volunteers from the River Garnock area, from Lochwinnoch to Ardrossan and Irvine to get involved in the project. So, if you have ever fancied getting into archaeology please get in touch with Northlight Heritage, via our website or social media channels, to find out how you can get involved.”

Martin Kostigovs of the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society added: “As chairman of Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society, we are pleased to be working with Northlight Heritage, Rathmell Archaeology Ltd and Garnock Connections as part of the CHAP programme.

“The archaeology dig at Ardrossan castle will add to our understanding of Castle Hill and it has brought out loads of community spirit with volunteers assisting with the excavations.

“We’ve organised school visits and members of the public have been visiting the dig to learn more about our local history. Hopefully this will bring some pride about our local history into the town.”

To volunteer or find out more about the upcoming projects, please contact Dr Murtagh on pmurtagh@yorkat.co.uk or 0141 271 4746. No experience is required, as training will be given, and there will be opportunities for people of all abilities.

For more information, visit www.garnockconnections.org.uk.