The John Cowane’s House community excavation was delivered from the 22nd to 26th of September 2025, as part of a wider Archaeology Month in Stirling. Dr. Murray Cook, Stirling Council’s Archaeologist, led the live dig over 5 days and helped facilitated 455 volunteer opportunities in the process.
The fieldwork delivered significant archaeological results and strong community engagement that will inform part of the Projects activities development programme and capital works design proposals.
Most notably, an area of original cobbling was exposed in the south‑west room—potentially the oldest surviving floor surface in Stirling, plausibly dating to c.1603.
Additional finds include 16th–17th century pottery, Stirling‑made clay tobacco pipes, two coins, and a small assemblage that may include 12th‑century pottery.
Indications of pits were observed in the north‑east room, and garden archaeology (structural remains and deposits) were identified at 0.4 m.
A wall was uncovered along the left‑hand side of the garden. The cobbled area has not been backfilled pending further assessment.
The excavation was directed by Dr. Murray Cook, who works with Stirling Council. Partnerships with Stirling Council and wider stakeholders have grown, through this opportunity to which the Cowane’s Trust are grateful for the support and interest in John Cowane’s House. A formal plan and context mapping will follow in due course.
Key archaeological results and implications:
- South‑West Room: Disturbed but coherent cobbled surface; likely early 17th century; high heritage value; consider in‑situ preservation or managed display.
- North‑East Room: Evidence for pit features requiring targeted mitigation during design and construction.
- Garden Area: Structural remains and garden archaeology at c.0.4 m bgl; sensitive to groundworks.
- Finds: 16th/17th‑century ceramics, local clay pipe fragments, two coins, possible 12th‑century sherds; evidence for a long occupational sequence.
- Design/Mitigation: Prioritise preservation in situ for the cobbles; proportionate watching brief/targeted excavation in areas of pits and garden features.
Summary:
The archaeology dig at John Cowane’s House, delivered in partnership with Stirling Council, Allans Primary School, Raploch Primary School, and Stirling Photography Festival all delivered high‑quality fieldwork with strong public value, strengthened partnerships, and achieved meaningful civic visibility via the Lord Lieutenant of Stirling & Falkirk and Councillor Jim Thomson.
The event exceeded the Trusts expectations not only by the 455 volunteer opportunities that was facilitated but for the learning, skills, inclusion, and partnership development while generating results that will directly inform Queen Mary’s Palace Project with heritage‑sensitive design and mitigation.
All picture courtesy of Dr. Murray Cook.