Prestongrange Community Archaeology Project
The project, which has been supported by a £50,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and developed and co-ordinated by East Lothian Council Archaeological Service and East Lothian Council Museums Service was launched on Saturday 24 April 2004 at Prestongrange Museum.
The Project provides 20 or so local volunteers - of whom I was lucky enough to be one - with the opportunity to take an active role in archaeological work assisting professional archaeologists to uncover more about the history of the site. The first phase has three main aims:
- to investigate the 16th century harbour, fort, vaults and tidal mill, the 17th century glassworks, the 18th century pottery and the 19th century tollbooth over a two year period.
- to provide information which will contribute to the long-term
conservation and interpretation of Prestongrange
- to enable interested individuals and local communities to get actively involved in a long term archaeological project, working alongside qualified archaeologists
Owing to family commitments, I have had to cease my involvement with this group. It was a hard decision to make because I really enjoyed the work but I am confident I have made the right decision.
The website of the Prestongrange Community Archaeology Project can be seen here