Stroanfreggan hill-fort excavation planned

Carsphairn Heritage Initiative, in conjunction with the Glenkens Story are delighted to announce the launch of a new project investigating the ancient sites of Stroanfreggan fort and the nearby Smittons Bridge kerbed cairn.

We are excavating the sites in September and October 2025 with AOC Archaeology and would like to invite you to join us and help on the excavation. Come along to the CatStrand on Sunday 27th July to hear from Cathy MacIver, AOC Archaeology about the fort the excavation project and how you can join in on the dig!

Stroanfreggan, probably Sròn a' Chreagain meaning ‘nose of the rocky place' (which describes the location perfectly), hosts the enigmatic hill-fort on the edge of Carsphairn and Dalry parishes within the Glenkens.

Following support from the land owner, Historic Environment Scotland and the Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund, an excavation overseen by AOC archaeology will take place in September and October 2025 and AOC/Carsphairn Heritage Initiative would like to invite you to join us and help on the excavation. As the excavation will also open a trench in the (potentially bronze age) kerb cairn at the foot of the sròn, the fun (work!) will be readily accessible to most people.

Volunteers are invited to delve into the past to investigate the prehistoric and potentially early medieval origins of Stroanfreggan hillfort and the earlier, probable Bronze Age site of Smittons Bridge kerbed cairn. Help us unravel the mystery of these ancient sites and learn new skills in archaeological excavation and recording. Whether you are an experienced dig volunteer, an intrigued local trying it out for the first time or an archaeology student looking for work experience all are welcome! See details below.

Conjectural part reconstruction as to how Stroanfreggan fort may have appeared. Fearrann Alba.

Introduction to the excavation project

July 27th, 15:00 to 17:00 at the CatStrand, New Galloway.

This free event will be an introduction to an exciting new archaeological excavation taking place this autumn at Stroanfreggan, (east of Carsphairn, near the High Bridge of Ken). Come and find out what is planned and the opportunities for those who wish to take part in the excavations, whether experienced in such work or not.

Tickets are free for this event and can be booked at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/catstrand/t-ojgexdp or on 01644 420 374 or in person at the CatStrand, New Galloway.

Do come along on the 27th July to learn more about these enigmatic sites and how you can be part of the dig!

Excavation schedule

We are undertaking a four-week excavation at Stroanfreggan and Smittons Bridge kerbed cairn between Tuesday 23rd September to Friday 17th October. The team are excavating on site Tuesday to Saturday, site hours 10-3, days off Sunday and Monday.

Come along to the excavation for an introduction to excavation and recording, training will be provided. You can come for one day for a taster to see what it's all about or book in for as many days as you like! If you are able to, we would recommend you come for several consecutive days to get the most out of the experience and the training.

We recommend that the final Friday 17th October is only open to volunteers who have been on the project earlier on since we will be finishing up in the trenches that day.

Please note that places are limited each day so we can ensure we have spaces for everyone in the trenches and have the appropriate number of professional staff to volunteer ratio. Bookings will close on the 12th of September.

Book your session here (free!): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stroanfreggan-archaeological-research-project-volunteering-tickets-1388351770519

Hope to see you there!