BUDDING archaeologists have been given the chance to delve into Kilwinning’s past.

The local historical society, Kilwinning Heritage, is on the lookout for volunteers who are keen to get involved in preserving and learning more about the town’s history and heritage.

The society have already completed projects including the Kilwinning Community project, Lady Jane’s Cottage in Eglinton Park, the Benslie Village in 2013, and also carrying out the investigation at the Monkcastle knoll enclosure.

Now, they are looking for anyone with an interest in taking part to come along and delve into the history of the area. One project, started in 2015, focusing on a19th century Print Works and an 18th century Thread Mill unexpectedly revealed the existence of a gun powder house used by the Rifle Volunteers during the 19th century.

This season, exploration is underway to investigate and record the features discovered in the area of the Bleachfield dwelling house, located on the South bank of the Rye, north of Ryefield Stables in Dalry.

Ralph Shuttleworth, the project director, was keen to emphasise the benefits of the society and explained that those involved have come from far and wide. He said: “People have come from all over the world to take part.

“Many have come to find out more about relatives that were buried in the Abbey.

“There are a lot of people who are quite surprised about what they find out, because often they didn’t know that those things were there.”
Ralph has been an archaeologist for the past twenty years and insisted that previous experience is not a necessary requirement for taking part.

He explained: “We offer full training so you don’t have to have any prior knowledge. I would just say to people to come along and have a go.”