And finally… past masters

Across the Trust’s 11,000 archaeological sites, teams continued to investigate new locations while welcoming record numbers of volunteers, school groups and community participants.

Excavations at Crarae Garden revealed quartz flakes, flint, charcoal deposits and two rare pieces of Arran pitchstone — evidence of long‑distance connections between early communities. The finds add to Crarae’s rich prehistoric record, which stretches back to around 3700–3500 BC.

Archaeologists uncovered the remains of the Erskine family’s medieval castle in the old walled garden, along with pottery and a 17th‑century copper coin. The community dig brought together local families, school pupils and refugees. The castle was destroyed in 1644 during royalist attacks.

A turf house excavation at Achnacon produced 16th‑ and 17th‑century coins, including Irish “gun money” issued by James VII/II in 1690. The finds suggest the house belonged to Jacobite supporters and may have been destroyed during the Glencoe Massacre.

At Priorwood Garden, volunteers uncovered a carved medieval boss originally from Melrose Abbey’s vaulted ceiling. The discovery offers further insight into the abbey precinct’s busy monastic community before the Reformation.

Work at Maol Cottage revealed reused timber roof couples — likely salvaged from ships or shoreline finds — highlighting the resourcefulness of island crofters. The cottage forms part of a rare surviving early 19th‑century farm cluster.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Trust warns that climate‑driven storms, flooding and erosion are increasingly shaping archaeological priorities. Despite these challenges, the team remains committed to uncovering and protecting the stories that shaped Scotland’s landscapes.