Dalry Bypass (A737)
Colliery (19th Century) - (20th Century), Industrial Landscape (19th Century) - (20th Century), Lime Kiln(S) (19th Century), Limestone Quarry (19th Century), Mineral Railway (19th Century) - (20th Century)
Site Name Dalry Bypass (A737)
Classification Colliery (19th Century) - (20th Century), Industrial Landscape (19th Century) - (20th Century), Lime Kiln(S) (19th Century), Limestone Quarry (19th Century), Mineral Railway (19th Century) - (20th Century)
Canmore ID 358650
Site Number NS34NW 57
NGR NS 3060 4950
NGR Description NS 30918 49929 - NS 29730 48029
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/358650
- Council North Ayrshire
- Parish Dalry (Cunninghame)
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Cunninghame
- Former County Ayrshire
Watching Brief (4 October 2016 - 26 October 2016)
A programme of archaeological works was required by Ian Farmer Associates Ltd in support of site investigation works on land that is to be used for the A737 Dalry Bypass in North Ayrshire. These archaeological works were designed to mitigate any adverse impact on the archaeological remains within the development area from the work.
Only ten test pits required monitoring during this phase of works representing only a very small sample of the development area. Within these ten test pits, no significant archaeological remains were uncovered, with the only archaeological evidence being for disturbance of the area during the 19th century construction of the Glasgow – Ayr railway line, and activity relating to the 19th century structure at ‘Kilcush’, which both sit towards its southern end.
Information from Rathmell Archaeology Ltd.
Archaeological Evaluation (2 February 2017 - 2 March 2017)
NS 30918 49929 – NS 29730 48029 A programme of topographic survey and evaluation was undertaken, 2 February – 2 March 2017, at targeted locations along the proposed route of the Dalry Bypass.
A survey was undertaken of a colliery site and mineral railway embankment. Two trenches were then placed through the railway embankment and its composition recorded.
An evaluation consisting of the excavation of 16 trenches targeted 3 areas along the bypass route. A number of modern features were identified: three linear features and one pit.
Archive: NRHE
Funder: Transport Scotland
Fraser McFarlane and Magnar Dalland – Headland Archaeology Ltd
(Source: DES, Volume 18)
Excavation (20 February 2017 - 13 March 2017)
NS 30904 49939 (centred on) A programme of topographic survey and excavation was undertaken, 20 February – 13 March 2017, of five lime kilns and an associated quarry in Dalry. Stripping of the area revealed a portion of a limestone quarry, a large draw kiln, two clamp kilns, and two bricklined kilns. The earliest structure on site was a small clamp kiln with a basic internal stone-lining. A second larger clamp kiln was constructed of limestone blocks. These kilns were replaced or supplemented by a large draw kiln. The first two kilns eventually became redundant and two brick-lined kilns were built. One was built directly on top of the remains of the second clamp kiln. Attempts to repair or improve the draw kiln were implemented by lining the upper part of the bowl with refractory bricks. By 1910, all kilns had gone out of use. The site complex was unique in that it contained a typology of kilns, which evolved in efficiency to meet increased demand for quicklime. Topographic survey and excavation of the area revealed that the quarried area had been backfilled with waste material prior to the construction of the lime kilns.
Archive: NRHE
Funder: Transport Scotland
Sue McGalliard – Headland Archaeology Ltd
(Source: DES, Volume 18)
Field Visit (21 February 2017 - 21 March 2017)
NS 3060 4950 A programme of archaeological work was carried out in advance of the proposed construction of the Dalry Bypass. One element of this work, a photographic landscape survey of the route, was undertaken 21 February – 21 March 2017.
The bypass cut across a former industrial landscape dating from the late 19th to early 20th century associated with coal mining. The ground of the former mines and associate spoil heaps has since been reinstated and appear today as grassy fields.
Archive: NRHE
Funder: Transport Scotland
Magnar Dalland – Headland Archaeology Ltd
(Source: DES, Volume 18)
