A SITE at Ericstane near Moffat will be the first to be excavated as part of a new £360,000 community archaeology project.
The aim is to uncover the area’s hidden history as part of the Destination Tweed river restoration scheme.
And the first dig for Uncovering the Tweed will be at Adie’s Brae on Borders Forest Trust land, about four miles from Moffat.
It is a scooped settlement, which is an enclosure cut into the hillside. They are found exclusively in south-east and central southern Scotland and typically date to the Middle Iron Age (c.200BC-400AD).
The excavation work will aim to accurately date the site, investigate the structure of the enclosure and explore any traces of buildings within the interior.
Destination Tweed project officer Charlotte Douglas said: “From prehistoric settlements to Roman forts and medieval castles, the Tweed has witnessed centuries of human history.
“Our Uncovering the Tweed project will enable local people to work alongside a team of professional archaeologists to learn new skills and help us discover more about life on the river in the past.
“We’re excited about what will be uncovered.”
The project is being funded by Historic Environment Scotland, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Fallago Environment Fund.
And the programme is being run by AOC Archaeology Group, which is already working with people across the catchment to co-curate a programme of proposed activity. They say there will be opportunities for people locally to get involved in exploring the history of the Tweed and its past communities.
Meanwhile, the £25 million Destination Tweed initiative centres on the creation of a 113-mile source to sea River Tweed Trail, stretching from Moffat to Berwick upon Tweed, that will connect communities and attractions along the route, improve the landscape and river habitat and provide a unique experience for locals and visitors alike.
In addition to the archaeology programme, cultural, education and environmental projects and a community grants scheme are already underway.
Destination Tweed is being delivered in stages across a five-year lifespan.
