Stroanfreggan Archaeological Research Project: Volunteering

Stroanfreggan Community Archaeological Research Project (SCARP)

Invitation to Volunteers

Carsphairn Heritage Initiative are delighted to announce the launch of a new project investigating the ancient sites of Stroanfreggan fort and 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. 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!

Our project is supported by funding from Historic Environment Scotland, Carsphairn Renewable Energy Fund Ltd. and we are working in partnership with AOC Archaeology.

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.

Hope to see you there!

Also check out other Workshops in Castle Douglas.