Ayrshire and Renfrewshire's Recent Past: excavation of deserted farmsteadings in advance of the M77

Over 2002, AOC Archaeology Group undertook excavations of two deserted farmsteads as part of a larger programme of evaluation and excavation in advance of the M77 upgrade scheme through East Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire.

The deserted farmstead of Benthouse comprised at least two stone buildings. The excavation concentrated on the remains of one of these buildings. While the walls of the building had almost disappeared, cobbled and paved floors were preserved, the arrangement of which suggests that the building accommodated a variety of agricultural activities.

The excavation of the deserted farmstead of Floakside revealed an L-shaped house with a byre. The dwelling house was subdivided into five rooms some of which had paved floors. Preliminary analysis of the finds recovered show a variety of personal, domestic and agricultural objects, which provide an insight into the lives of the inhabitants.

The results of these excavations are currently being prepared for publication.

AOC Excavation Director: Katinka Stentoft
AOC Project Manager: Murray Cook
Client: Scottish Executive Development Department: Trunk Roads Design and Construction Division, with Historic Scotland