Watching Brief

Date 6 September 2013

Event ID 1034446

Category Recording

Type Watching Brief

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1034446

Under the terms of its PIC call-off contract with Historic Scotland, Kirkdale Archaeology was asked to examine exposed surfaces and deposits below an uprooted tree located on the S side of the main approach road to Craigmillar Castle, in the area E of the E Garden.

The evidence suggests that the area immediately E of the E postern gateway (currently blocked), located close to the Chapel, had been levelled to create a platform or terrace, the N edge of which may have respected the S edge of the approach route to the E gate. There was no dateable evidence for the construction of the terrace, but it may relate to the creation of the outer garden suite during the mid 16th century. An association with the cherry and sycamore planting of c.1900 is also possible, although parts of the site are clearly too shallow for mature trees.

G Ewart 2013

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology