THE public will work alongside archaeologists to uncover the hidden history of the River Tweed under a new initiative.

A series of digs along the river’s 113-mile route aim to shed new light on important sites and investigate the prehistoric era.

The three-year ‘Uncovering the Tweed’ project has been backed by £360,000.

It hopes to encourage people in the south of Scotland to get involved in researching, surveying and excavating sites from Moffat to Berwick-upon-Tweed.

It is part of the five-year £25 million Destination Tweed initiative which is looking at creating a trail along the length of the river.

Destination Tweed project officer Charlotte Douglas said: “From prehistoric settlements to Roman forts and medieval castles, the Tweed has witnessed centuries of human history.  

“Our Uncovering the Tweed project will enable local people to work alongside a team of professional archaeologists to learn new skills and help us discover more about life on the river in the past.”

The programme – funded by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Fallago Environment Fund – is being run by AOC Archaeology Group. 

The first excavation site is Adie’s Brae, a scooped settlement on Borders Forest Trust land at Ericstane near Moffat.

Scooped settlements are enclosures that have been cut into the hillside.

They are found exclusively in south east and central southern Scotland and typically date to the middle Iron Age (c200BC-400AD).

The work will accurately date the site, investigate the structure of the enclosure and explore any traces of buildings within the interior.

Susan O’Connor, head of grants at HES, said: “Uncovering the Tweed will have far-reaching positive outcomes across a range of audiences and communities.

“From topographical surveys and archaeological training to excavation skills and documentation of the built environment, the project will help further promote the diverse contribution of the historic environment.

“We’re thrilled to have awarded Destination Tweed £90,000 to support a project that will build a legacy of empowered volunteers and showcase the importance of making our heritage accessible for all.”

People will also learn how to identify previously unknown archaeological sites from their own homes using web-based light detection and ranging (LiDAR) remote sensing technology.

Specific projects within the programme will study a range of themes including historical river crossings, medieval towers, stone carvings, abandoned villages and the region’s industrial heritage.

It is hoped the River Tweed trail will connect communities and attractions along the route, improve the landscape and river habitat and provide a unique experience for locals and visitors alike. 

Destination Tweed is supported by more than 30 funders and is a project within the Borderlands Growth Deal.

For more information go to: www.destinationtweed.org.