Glaswegians invited to join 'Viking' archaeological dig in the city

Locals in Govan are being encouraged to join experts from the University of Glasgow to survey and excavate in the Govan Old churchyard this month and next.

The corner of the churchyard set to be the dig site, is where the entrance of the medieval church was once located and is also where a new fragment of an early medieval sculpture was discovered in 2023.

The corner being investigated this year was also the potential findspot of the 1,000-year-old Govan sarcophagus, which was discovered during grave-digging in 1855. It’s thought that the exterior depicts Constantine, King of the Picts, who was killed by Vikings in the 870s.

This year marks another dig which invites communities to join the excavation and is run by the University in partnership with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and The Govan Heritage Trust, which assumed ownership of Govan Old in 2016.

Last year’s community project led to the discovery of the ‘Govan Warrior’ stone, and experts are hoping more artefacts will be discovered this year that will help them understand the country’s Viking past.

The 1,000-year-old Govan sarcophagus, which was discovered during grave-digging in 1855 (Image: Tom Horne)

Stephen Driscoll, Professor of Historical Archaeology at the University of Glasgow and Trustee of Govan Heritage Trust, said: “This year our team will continue to explore the Govan Old’s deep history by mapping the graveyard in detail and excavating at the find spot of the ‘Warrior Stone’, where we also believe the sarcophagus was found back in 1855.

“There is a real sense of excitement about the coming season, not least because we hope to attract members of the local community to join the dig and participate in the reinvention of the ancient heart of Govan.” 

This year's digs will consist of two three-day sessions that will allow volunteers to explore the site alongside professionals from Clyde Archaeology and senior academic staff and students from University of Glasgow Archaeology.

The first community dig will take place from August 29 to 31, and the second will take place from September 20 to 22 September.

The discovery of the Govan Warrior last year was described as a ‘remarkable’ uncovering.

The early medieval carved stone was said to be "quite unlike" any others discovered at the ancient site, portraying a man side-on carrying a round shield and a shaft over their shoulder.

While much of the warrior’s face was damaged since being carved over a thousand years ago, remarkable details suggest a flowing pony-tail and a sharply pointed beard.

More than 500 people attended last year’s community dig, and now organisers hope the discovery of the Govan Warrior will encourage more people to get involved this year.

Dr Simon Gilmour, Director of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, said: “The discovery of the ‘Govan Warrior’ has stimulated renewed interest in Govan’s local heritage and the grant from the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland will ensure that during 2024 the community is able to actively participate in the archaeological fieldwork. 

“We look forward to working with more community-based projects in the region over the next two years as part of our Clyde Valley archaeological research framework project."

The Govan Warrior was discovered at last year's community dig. Image: Tom Horne (Image: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland)

The oldest known Christian site in Glasgow, Govan Old was built in 1888 and stands on a religious site dating back to the sixth century.  

In 2007, Reverend Tom Davidson Kelly, a former minister of the church, described it as “possibly the most significant church in Glasgow, including the Cathedral”.

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland supports high-quality research and publications relating to Scotland’s past by making several grants and awards twice each year. 

This round awarded a total of £16,323 to 10 projects researching an aspect of Scottish history or archaeology, including: determining a precise date and geographic origin for 14 boat burials identified across Scotland and the Isle of Man; post-excavation analysis of a possible Neolithic butchery site on South Uist; investigating the antiquarian travels of Robert Wilson and the artefacts he brought back to Scotland, and more. 

Vice President of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Convenor of the Grants and Awards Committee, Dr Suzanne Lyle said: “In the year ahead we are awarding funding to projects undertaken by researchers across a range of fields relating to Scottish history.

“This exciting research is supported by Fellows of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and we very much look forward to seeing the outcomes which will help us all to learn more about Scotland’s past.” 

To get involved in this year’s dig which is being dubbed the ‘Dig Where You Stand’, organisers are asking would-be volunteers to visit the Govan Stones Facebook page before August 23 to find instructions on how to apply for a free place. Visitors to the excavation are welcome to drop by during the entire period of the dig from August 29 to September 22.