More human bones have been uncovered during week three of the Kilwinning archaeological dig.
And there is speculation that they could uncover the remains of the abbot, Bernard of Kilwinning, who wrote the declaration of Arbroath – one of the most significant documents in Scottish history.
Bernard, who died in 1331, as head of the Tironesian monastic order at Kilwinning.
He became Chancellor of Scotland under Robert the Bruce.
Head archaeologist, Tom Rees said: “He could be under newer masonry, under more recent graves in the churchyard or even under the current 18th century church, in which case we won’t find him but he is here somewhere.
“Chasing specific graves is challenging and attributing identity to an unmarked grave is problematic.”
On Wednesday, in the trench where Herald reporter Lorraine Howard and work experience student Katy Lavelle from Greenwood Academy were digging, more bones were unearthed.
And eight-year-old Callum Burns found a medieval gaming board in his trench.
Callum, of Kilwinning, suffers from autism and has become the group’s lucky mascot.
His mum Paula said: “This has been a great experience for Callum and we can’t keep him away from the dig, he loves it.
“I was so proud of him when he found the slates, it’s great that he’s part of history.”
The surveying of the Abbey is now complete and in some of the trenches, parts of the original wall of the 1562 Reformed Church have been uncovered.
This week, pupils from Kilwinning primary schools will be visiting the dig to see what’s going on.
Secondary pupils at Kilwinning Academy will also be offered the chance to take part in the dig to find out if a career in archaeology is for them.
Source: The Irvine Herald
