On Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June 2015, the archaeologists of the National Trust descended upon the site of the former Blantyre Village Works Mills, and in particular a site at the former Madder Mill, near the old water lade.

2015 6th June. The Big Dig at David Livingstone Centre

The Madder Mill location is now woodland, so digging there was expected to present some problems with modern roots covering the archaeology. Braving a truly horrendous rainy day, i went down to see what was going on and found Alison, the centre manager working outside in that rain, beside the volunteers and archaeologists. The dig started off in sand and silt and the roots were soon dispersed with. Digging down to around a foot, items of clay ware, metal and rubble from the former mill was found, including iron sheets, which may have once been part of the roof.

I attended the site again on the Sunday, and took a few snaps whilst the team were off for lunch. Blantyre project supplied some stories and photos in waterproof wallets to show anybody visiting the dig which was open to the public. This is the second event of its kind, i’ve been to see and hope the National Trust consider digging again at David Livingstone Centre and the nearby former mill sites.