Some evidence has recently been revealed to indicate that the corner towers may be later additions to the curtain walls. This evidence was first observed during investigation of the western corner tower, where the curtain walls appear to continue into the corners of the castle, and part of the curtain wall appears to be overlain by the floor surface within the tower. Work is currently in progress on excavating the interior of the northern corner tower, and once again there is evidence that the tower itself is a later addition. The inner face of its north-western side wall is now partially revealed.
A short section of the face of the north-eastern curtain wall has been revealed during recent work around the area of the eastern corner of the castle. The face and side walls of any tower in this corner have not yet been revealed, although this is also the point of access onto and off the site for the excavation team, so we have left this corner until last. To the west of this corner, one of the 1860s trenches has been excavated and recorded (see image), revealing large cobbles at its base.
 |  |
Work is now concentrating on the northern part of the platform, where another 19th-century trench had cut across the curtain wall. This has been excavated and the adjacent spoil heaps are being recorded and removed. Beneath the spoil in this area are deposits of charcoal and metalworking debris. Investigation of this area is ongoing.
A stone-lined drain running parallel to the eastern wall of the West Range has been carefully excavated and the fill sampled (see image).
The north-western edge of the platform beyond the curtain wall is currently being investigated, in an attempt to reveal more information about the nature of the entrance to the castle, thought to be in this area.
LATEST FINDS
Recent finds include two possible buckles, one of iron and one of copper alloy, several iron nails and a quernstone fragment. Quantities of animal bone continue to be recovered (see image), especially around the inner edges of the moat.
VISITORS
Visitor numbers have remained fairly steady, although many Scottish children are now back at school. The weather has improved slightly in recent days, so visitors have sometimes not needed their wet weather gear on our guided tours!
Click here to continue your tour
PREVIOUS UPDATES