A DIG held at Dollar Glen led to some interesting finds.

An excavation team put together by the Ochils Landscape Partnership (OLP) and the National Trust for Scotland uncovered significant treasures – sherds of pottery, glass wine bottles, glass vessels, window glass and iron objects dating from the mid 17th century.

And the group have reached the exciting conclusion that a ruined two-roomed stone building on the slopes behind Castle Campbell, first thought to possibly be some sort of dwelling, is now more likely to be the ruins of a medieval hunting lodge once used by the inhabitants of and visitors to the castle.

Dr Kirsty McAlister, OLP research and interpretation officer, said the type of objects found during the week long excavation indicate the building had a “very high status”.

She explained, “Other evidence in our findings is that the square room to the south east contained a well built central stone lined drain surrounded by flagged and cobbles surfaces. In the corner of this room was a raised rectangular stone feature – possibly a stone trough or plinth. This room may well have been a byre or stable of some sorts and perhaps even a butchery for the deer which would have been hunted on the estate.” The team, led by Dr Daniel Rhodes, Liz Jones and Candy Hatherley from the National Trust for Scotland and Dr McAlister, were joined by a group of over 50 volunteers including Young Archaeologists and the Dollar Scouts.

Once all the items have been properly appraised there is a chance they may come back to Dollar Museum.

Dr McAlister added, ”One of the aims of the Ochils Landscape Partnership is to help local people gain a better understanding of how the Ochils landscape was used in the past. Discovering more about this structure has certainly enabled us to do this. We know that the inhabitants of Castle Campbell would have been high ranking and this is backed up with them having their own hunting lodge.

“On behalf of the OLP we would also like to thank the National Trust for Scotland – this dig was carried out as part of Scottish Archaeology Month and it has been a real highlight for us all.”