LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Mysteries of medieval Abbey Drain to be uncovered during Big Dig

A team of intrepid experts will go underground to solve a centuries-old mystery this summer during the biggest exploration yet of Paisley’s unique medieval Abbey Drain!

Mysteries of medieval Abbey Drain to be uncovered during Big Dig

Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 10 April 2019 11:28

The intricate underground structure is believed to have carried material from Paisley’s 850-year-old Abbey to the nearby River Cart – but no one has ever established where and how it met the river.

Now, a team of archaeologists will excavate an area next to Abbey Close to try to answer that – with the hope their findings could help the drain become a bigger visitor attraction in future.

The two-month project (running from May until July) is being managed by Renfrewshire Council and includes an extensive programme of activity to involve the local community.

The dig is being run by Guard Archaeology with volunteers from Renfrewshire Local History Forum, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.

Paisley’s Abbey Drain is an ornate underground passageway, around 100m long and believed to be more than 700 years old, which was discovered in the 19th century and rediscovered in the 1990s.

Previous archaeological digs have revealed carved slates featuring the earliest written polyphonic music – and largest collection of medieval pottery – ever found in Scotland.

Community activity planned for during the Big Dig will include a series of short films and a documentary made by students from the University of the West of Scotland, school visits, volunteering opportunities, and free talks and workshops for the general public.

The drain itself won’t be accessible to the public during the dig – but there will be a chance for residents and visitors to go inside it, as in previous years, during Doors Open Day in September.

Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “Paisley’s Abbey Drain is a hidden treasure and people are rightly fascinated by it – so we are delighted to be able to run a project which will engage the community and bring the stories of the Abbey Drain to life for residents and visitors.

“The team behind the Big Dig hope to solve some of the unanswered questions around it and that may lead to further exploration or even a more permanent visitor attraction in future.

“If so, that would be a perfect fit for the wider push to use Paisley’s rich heritage and culture to bring new footfall to the town and build on our growing reputation as one of Scotland’s top visitor destinations.”


Riona McMorrow, Acting Head of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Scotland, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to think that the Big Dig might uncover the long held mysteries of Paisley’s Abbey Drain.

“It is thanks to National Lottery players that we have been able to help fund this innovative programme of activities which will nurture and build the community groups interested in improving Paisley through their heritage.”


Caroline Clark, Acting Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “We’re delighted to have contributed funding to support the Paisley Abbey Drain Big Dig through our Historic Environment Support Fund.

“This is a fantastic project that will not only explore the hidden history of Paisley Abbey and help enhance our understanding of this fascinating site, but also provide an opportunity for the local community to get involved in archaeology and engage with the rich heritage on their doorstep.”


You will be able to keep up to date with the Big Dig and see the full programme of activity via www.paisley.is

Sponsored Links

Latest Renfrewshire News

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.

READ MORE
Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.

READ MORE
Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Noughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!

READ MORE
Playsport in East Kilbride is set to welcome a new state of the art racing simulator centre GP Racing Simulators

Playsport in East Kilbride is set to welcome a new state of the art racing simulator centre GP Racing Simulators

GP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.

READ MORE
Renfrewshire Provost rewards inspirational community members

Renfrewshire Provost rewards inspirational community members

Renfrewshire has honoured local groups and volunteers for their work in the community at the Provost's Community Awards.

READ MORE
Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Dobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.

READ MORE
Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.

READ MORE
Learning and Cultural Hub wins national award

Learning and Cultural Hub wins national award

Paisley's Learning and Cultural Hub has won a national award. The new home for Paisley Central Library won the physical category at the EDGE Awards.

READ MORE
Hop along to Cardwell Garden Centre for some Easter Weekend fun

Hop along to Cardwell Garden Centre for some Easter Weekend fun

The Easter weekend is going to be eggs-tra special at Cardwell Garden Centre this year.

READ MORE
Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

This year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.

READ MORE
Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

A host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.

READ MORE
Paisley Museum and Kairos Women+ win big at the Smiley Charity Film Awards

Paisley Museum and Kairos Women+ win big at the Smiley Charity Film Awards

Groups connected with the refurbishment of Paisley Museum are celebrating today after picking up an honour at the Smiley Charity Film Awards in London.

READ MORE
A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

Spring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!

READ MORE
Saturday Winter Connections event in Paisley bringing people together

Saturday Winter Connections event in Paisley bringing people together

Dozens of people gathered together for a song and a chat at a Saturday Get-Together event in the Methodist Central Hall, Paisley.

READ MORE
National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

Full cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!

READ MORE
Paisley Museum succeeds in major global competition to win prestigious international award

Paisley Museum succeeds in major global competition to win prestigious international award

The refurbishment of Paisley Museum has won a prestigious international award, recognising the significant role the project is playing in the town and wider region’s cultural regeneration.

READ MORE
Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

READ MORE
Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

A sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

READ MORE
Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.

READ MORE
Record breaking parasport festival held in Linwood

Record breaking parasport festival held in Linwood

More than one hundred children attended the West of Scotland's Parasport Festival, which took place at On-X Linwood on Monday 4th March.

READ MORE
Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Great Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.

READ MORE
Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.

READ MORE
Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Friday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.

READ MORE
Scottish trad music is on the rise

Scottish trad music is on the rise

New research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.

READ MORE
Time for a Big Spring Clean!

Time for a Big Spring Clean!

Renfrewshire's Big Spring Clean is back for another year, with litter picks set to take place throughout March and April.

READ MORE
The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced

The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced

A stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!

READ MORE
Last chance to secure an Earlybird Entry for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

Last chance to secure an Earlybird Entry for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.

READ MORE
OneRen Spring Kids Camps are back!

OneRen Spring Kids Camps are back!

OneRen's Spring Kids Camps are set to return, bringing plenty of fun-filled action for children and young people during the school holidays.

READ MORE
OneRen offers a free adult swim for those accompanying kids under 5

OneRen offers a free adult swim for those accompanying kids under 5

OneRen has expanded an initiative designed to help more people to make a big splash across Renfrewshire's five swimming pools.

READ MORE
Animated film raises thousands for Shelter Scotland

Animated film raises thousands for Shelter Scotland

A Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Go Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"

Popular Events

Oh What A Night!
Oh What A Night! at the Beacon Arts Centre will take you back in time on a musical journey through the incredible career of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons!
Murder Mystery Dinner
Fancy yourself as a true crime detective? Then join Spirit Of Glasgow for dinner at The Glynhill Hotel on Saturday 20th July and solve their Murder Mystery!
Dave Finnegan’s The Commitments
'Mickah Wallace' from legendary film The Commitments continues to spread the gospel of soul, taking up where the iconic movie left off, catch Dave Finnegan and his band live at The Bungalow in April!
Weegie Hink Ae That?
The Weegie Boys, Glasgow's best loved comedy sketch ensemble, bring a fast-paced, witty show to The Bungalow on Friday 10th May!
Paisley’s Spring Farmyard Trail
Paisley's Spring Farmyard Trail is coming to town from Friday 29th March until Monday 15th April, can you find all 10 animals which are hiding around town?

Popular Listings

Beacon Arts Centre Braehead Arena Johnstone Town Hall Old Swan Inn Paisley Paisley Abbey Paisley Arts Centre Paisley Town Hall Robertson Park Renfrew The Bungalow Paisley Venue Paisley