The Volunteer Excavation Team at the invitation of Sir Norman Arthur, and lead by Alastair and Lizzie Penman, is still uncovering the remains of prehistoric features dating back to 2,500 BC.
At present the hypothesis for the presence of these prehistoric features , here within the confines of the drained area of Newbarns Loch , is that they are Neolithic Chambered Cairns, with a surviving burial element for both the Neolithic and the Early Bronze Ages.
The cairns have been used as part of a later crannog settlement, (an ancient Irish dwelling or fort built on an artificial island in a lake or marsh), which was inhabited through the Iron Age and on into Medieval times.
The Newbarns Dig can be found on the main Colvend to Sandyhills road and visitors are welcome on to the site, providing they do not park on the roadside. Admission is free however any contributions towards the heavy excavations would be appreciated.
The NewBarns Dig is sponsored by Dumfries & Galloway Natural History & Antiquarian Society,Dumfries & Galloway Council, Stewartry Area Committee and The Robert Kiln Trust.
If you would like more information on the Newbarns project, visit the website of the Stewartry Archaeological Trust.