Volunteer archaeological excavation: Black Hill, Auchenheath

Volunteers are now being sought to take part in archaeological excavations at two of the area’s most enigmatic Ancient Monuments - Black Hill, Auchenheath and Castle Qua, Cartland Craigs, Lanark. The excavations, led by CAVLP Heritage, will be the first to explore the archaeology of the first millennia in the area since the 1930s, and will take place at Castle Qua Tuesday 11 – Friday 21 July and at Black Hill Tuesday 8 – Friday 25 August.

Participants can get involved in the excavations, help support environmental processing or assist with washing and cataloguing of finds.  The volunteer team will be helping to answer questions such as - Who lived at these sites? What did they do there? When were these sites used and when did they go out of use?

Spaces are limited so people are encouraged to register early with Paul Murtagh, CAVLP Heritage Project Officer on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 01555 661 555. No experience is required, as on-site training will be given, and there will be opportunities for people of all abilities. Volunteers can choose one site they would prefer to work on and should be available for a minimum of two full days of the excavation.

An Investigating the Past pop-up exhibition, showcasing artefacts from the Castle Qua excavation and other sites around Lanark, will take place in the Lanark Tolbooth Monday 17 – Sunday 30 July, helping visitors to find out more about the sites. The exhibition will be open 10:30am-5:30pm daily, with late openings on Thursdays until 8pm.

Open Days, where visitors can come along to see an excavation in action, talk to archaeologists and take part in family activities have been planned for Castle Qua and Black Hill, for people who are unable to join in with the archaeological digs. These are taking place on Sunday 16 July, 10:30am – 5:30pm at Castle Qua, and Sundays 13 and 20 August, 11am – 4pm at Black Hill. Places for the Open Days are limited so booking is essential at www.cavlp.eventbrite.co.uk.