Over three days in March, a team of volunteers descended on a forest clearing off the raiders road forest drive in Galloway, south-west Scotland. They were there to start the exploration of ‘upper Gairloch’, an abandoned farm under the control of Forestry and Land Scotland, who kindly gave their permission for the work to take place. Representing a wide range of age and experience, the volunteers shared an enthusiasm for their local heritage and a desire to learn more through archaeology. Supported by archaeologists from Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, they were there as part of ‘Can You Dig It?’, a community archaeology project run by the ‘Galloway Glens’ Landscape Partnership Scheme and funded by the Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.
The raiders road, which runs between Clatteringshaws and Loch Ken, is perhaps better known for its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife. Named after Samuel R. Crockett’s 1894 historical novel about reiving and cattle rustling, it has early origins, even if these are not immediately apparent. From at least the 17th century the area was host to a number of farms and settlements, forming a thriving agricultural community on the north bank of the river Dee. By the mid-19th century, most had been abandoned and now few traces remain. But a little research can reveal the farms which once stood there and sometimes even the people who lived there too.
Volunteers hard at work