Kilmarnock, 50 Bank Street

NS 4272 3782

A programme of archaeological evaluation and excavation was undertaken during redevelopment. In the evaluation, ten hand-dug test pits were excavated within the standing buildings. Truncation was found to be severe across much of the frontage, although a deposit containing a sherd of 18th-century pottery was identified. A truncated feature was located beneath the frontage, and on the basis of three sherds of pottery is dated to the medieval period. To the rear of the frontage topsoil had been preserved but was contaminated with modern structural material. Wall foundations relating to outbuildings were encountered in several of the test pits. On the basis of the evaluation, around 300m2 of subsoil was cleaned and inspected following removal of a suspended timber floor within the standing building. A possible medieval feature and a well with a drystone lining were recorded. Later remains likely to date from the modern period were also excavated and recorded. Following demolition of the standing building, a concrete slab was removed from the rear of the development plot and six trenches, covering 20% of the site, were excavated. Another well with drystone lining was uncovered in the southernmost frontage plot. This was very similar in size and shape to the well uncovered during the initial excavation. Later remains likely to date from the 18th and 19th century were also excavated and recorded. Both wells were left in situ and are likely to be incorporated into the building development.

Sponsor: Baxter Clark and Paul.

S Stronach and M Hastie 2001