Enjoy the 2010 season of White Castle, East Lothian.   First dig on the site.   First survey since the early 20th century!

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The archaeological excavation and surveys were undertaken during the first two weeks of August 2010, with warm and reasonably dry weather conditions throughout. The following should be read in conjunction with the data presented in Appendices 1 to 9. While the excavation comprised one single trench, in order to ease description each of the individual elements have been ascribed trench numbers with the report. The 11 test-pits produce no results whatsoever, neither artefacts nor cut features, and are not further commented upon.

Topographic and Vegetation Survey

The survey confirmed the basic nature and shape of the site, and the presence of the three previously known internal features. However, in addition considerably greater detail has been recorded, for example the total number of recorded potential hut platforms has now been increased to at least 17. This excludes the previously identified rectilinear features within Rampart 1, which clearly overlies it and is now thought to be a Medieval-Post-Medieval shieling. Within the assemblage of hut platforms, there are clearly two distinct sizes: c 5m in diameter and c 9m. In addition, the platforms are clustered to the north-west and west sides of the site.

All of the ramparts are clearly more impressive on the southern side and at present there is no clear trace of the inner rampart to the north of the site, or of the outer rampart to the west of the site. In addition, Rampart 3, continues further to the south-west than previously recorded. At the south-western entrance Rampart 3 appears to comprise of two rounded mounds and it is unclear if these are deliberate features, possibly incorporated into or built on top of Rampart 3 or the result of differential rabbit erosion. The putative second south-east entrance identified by previous surveys, is now interpreted as a breach corresponding to the change in nature of the ramparts from the south to the north of the site.