VISITORS to Tantallon Castle have been able to find out more about what ‘lies beneath’.

Archaeologists from Historic Scotland and Kirkdale Archaeology, along with a team of volunteers from the Friends of North Berwick Museum, have been excavating a series of trenches within the castle’s courtyard and on its outer works.

The digs have been carried out in response to a number of geophysical anomalies which were revealed by a geophysical survey commissioned earlier this year.

There are possible archaeological remains such as floors, walls, ditches and pits, and it is hoped that the trenches will reveal buried structural evidence for occupation and defensive works dating to the known use of the castle and possibly much earlier, and how the castle adapted in response to the development of artillery.

The outcome of the findings will be used as part of Historic Scotland’s interpretation plan for the castle, which helps tell the castle’s story to visitors.

Richard Strachan, senior archaeologist for Historic Scotland, said: “The castle was home to the Red Douglases, one of Scotland’s most prominent and powerful baronial families.

“It endured three great sieges, in 1491, 1528 and 1651, the latter by Oliver Cromwell’s army, which brought great devastation.

“There has been very little formal excavation at Tantallon Castle, so this is a hugely exciting opportunity to investigate the geophysical results and hopefully add to the story of this iconic site.” The team finish up on site today (Friday) and visitors are welcome to view the archaeologists in action throughout the day. Guided tours of the dig will also take place daily at 11am and 3pm.

The castle is open throughout the year (winter hours 9.30am to 4.30pm). Access to the dig and the tours is included as part of admission. For more information visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk