Carsphairn SWI learn about the Stroanfreggan dig
President, Irene McCreath welcomed everyone to the meeting on February 19th 2026 and introduced Ben Ade from Carsphairn Heritage Initiative to talk about last year’s dig at Stroanfreggan.
Ben Ade at the Stroanfreggan dig site
Ben focussed everyone’s attention while he spoke about the story of the Stroanfreggan Hill Fort and Kerbed Cairn, illustrated with photos and drawings . He set the scene by describing what may have been on the site through the ages. Hill Fort settlements tended to be near the coast however Stroanfreggan is significant as it is quite far inland. It is thought that settlers would have made their way along the rivers to the site which sits at a geographical crossroads of the four compass points. Trade and disputes encouraged Iron Age groups to settle in fortified hill forts which afforded them clear defensive advantages and access to travellers for trading purposes. The Stroanfreggan site provided all of these.
There has always been interest in what the area might be holding by way of evidence of previous settlers. The recent dig took place in September and October 2025 at the site near Smittons Bridge and was a collaboration between Carsphairn Heritage Initiative and AOC Archaeology. The dig encouraged volunteers of all ages to get involved. Ben’s photos showed how sample sites were identified and excavated. Vitrified rock, flint scatterings and charcoal were included in the finds.
The site has been robbed of stone over time and sheep folds, dykes, cottage ruins and road workings are testament to this. Ben explained that the findings of the dig will be shared in May 2026. Members asked questions about what they had heard and everyone was keen to hear about any future information. Jennifer Harvie gave Ben a sincere vote of thanks which was heartily endorsed by everyone there. Ben finished by inviting members to share their stories and memories of the Carsphairn area through recordings, to add to Carsphairn Heritage Initiative archives.
Irene then read an account supplied by Anna Campbell which described how the Carsphairn Rural was established with the first meeting taking place in Lagwyne Hall on 14th November 1935. Members were amazed that monthly meetings were originally arranged around Thursdays nearest to the full moon to allow light for those travelling to and from the hall. Carsphairn SWI still meets on Thursdays. Christine displayed the Stewartry of Kirkcudbrightshire SWI Chain of Office. Members were very interested to see the names of previous presidents, two of which were local to Carsphairn.
Jennifer and Lavinia then served very welcome refreshments while the business for the month was carried out. Nancy White, treasurer brought members up to date on the financial situation. Discussion took place in preparation for the Spring Show with arrangements being refined. Raffle tickets to be drawn at The Gathering in September were distributed. A second Federation delegate representing Carsphairn was elected and a reminder given that there will be a sales table at the Spring Show. Members also discussed arrangements for the Carsphairn Community Woodland Open Night in April. Irene thanked Jennifer and Lavinia for providing the tasty food.
Ben had kindly judged the competitions and the winners were as follows:
Single Chocolate Sponge, 1. Lavinia Morris 2. Isobel Cuthbertson 3. Dorothy Faulds.
Drawing / Painting, 1. Merle Kerkhof 2. Jennifer Harvie 3. Sheila Little.
Flower of the Month, 1. Dorothy Faulds 2. Sheila Little 3. Irene McCreath.
The raffle was drawn. Irene thanked everyone for their contribution to the meeting. She also reminded everyone what the syllabus had in store for the March meeting. Members chatted as they helped to tidy up. It had been a very enjoyable meeting whereby members went home knowing more about the heritage of the area and their Rural than when they arrived.