THE Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society has been shortlisted for a national award celebrating hidden gems in Scotland.

The Scotland in Six Hidden Gems competition is part of Scotland’s 2017 Year of Heritage, History and Archaeology and the castle society are excited to be in the final few.

Dr Amanda Simpson, Secretary of the Society said: “It is amazing news that Ardrossan Castle has been selected to represent North Ayrshire in the Scotland in Six Hidden Gems competition, which is part of the celebration of Scotland’s 2017 Year of Heritage, History and Archaeology.

“Ardrossan Castle, in various guises has stood through the reigns of David I, Robert the Bruce, and Mary Queen of Scots, until it was finally destroyed by Cromwellian forces in the mid 17th century. Ardrossan Castle has played host to the effective King of Scotland, the church contains the likely gravestone of a signatory to the UNESCO-listed Declaration of Arbroath and, until 1911, held the secret of the Ardrossan Sarcophagus. This stone-carved coffin, found inside the church has been described as one of the finest examples of medieval sculpture ever found in Scotland.

“The honour of being selected to participate in the Hidden Gems competition not only reflects this rich known history of the Castle but also indicates a great confidence - from the heritage experts - in the tantalising possibility of discovering the place and significance of ‘our wee castle’ within Scotland’s broad timeline.

“To be nominated for a prestigious competition like this gives Ardrossan the opportunity to compete at a Scotland-wide level and show that Ardrossan Castle is worthy of national attention. We believe the Castle and Castle Hill site offer a serious potential as an attractive heritage tourist destination. Coupled with the recent community success in saving the Ardrossan-Arran Ferry service and promise of significant financial investment in the town of Ardrossan, competing, and winning, Scotland in Six Hidden Gems, we think, could really help boost the ambitions and future economic prospects for the town.

“We hope everyone else feels the same and will help us get Ardrossan Castle onto the winners’ podium in September.”

Voting takes place all through June and July at http://www.digit2017.com/discover/scotland-in-six-hidden-gems/

On Saturday 13 and Sunday May 14 from 9am to 4pm, there will be another archaeological dig in and around the church on the Castle Hill. Visitors are welcome to come along and see what has been found.