The Kilwinning Community Archaeology Project started its excavations in Kilwinning Abbey today Wednesday 18th August. To mark the occasion a ‘Turf Breaking Ceremony’ took place at 11am when Erica Lockett, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire wielded the first spade and as you can see from the above video a large crowd turned up.

Breaking ground at Kilwinning Abbey

This is the first season of the archaeological excavations which will explore the origins of the Abbey and surrounding areas of the town. The Project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Irvine Bay, who were the catalyst for this Project developing the Kilwinning & District Preservation Society’s hopes through their Kilwinning Town Regeneration Plan.

All the work on-site will be done by teams of up to twenty volunteers each day from the community, with professional support from Rathmell Archaeology Ltd. This season’s works will run from Wednesday 18th August to Saturday 18th September, with the teams working on-site between Wednesday and Saturday each week.

During the excavations the Abbey Tower Heritage Centre will be open for longer hours, staffed by both members of the Kilwinning & District Preservation Society and volunteers from the Project. Opening hours for Wednesday to Saturday will be from 10.30am to 4pm and on Sundays 1pm to 3pm.

Some of the Volunteers

Throughout the excavations the public are welcome to visit the excavations, explore the Abbey, discover the past of Kilwinning in the Heritage Centre and climb the tower for a stunning view of the town and Ayrshire. You can also follow the Project and ask questions of the team on Facebook.

The breathtaking views from the tower and the haunting atmosphere are just two good reasons to visit Kilwinning Abbey. The Visitor Centre is a mine of information about the history of the area with helpful and friendly staff.