Scottish archaeology - test dig at Museum of Edinburgh courtyard

The courtyard at Museum of Edinburgh is to re-open to the public this week, following the digging of three test pits at the site. The courtyard is at the rear of the museum, at Huntly House, which was once the centre of the medieval burgh of Canongate.

During the week of 4 to 8 August 2014, GUARD Archaeology was commissioned to dig three test pits at the courtyard, to help to determine whether a larger, community dig was required and to help chart the development of the site from the twelfth century onwards.

Now, local people and visitors are welcome to come along to the coutryard where volunteer stewards and gardeners will be on hand to provide information about the history of the site, the buildings and the Canongate itself. Visitors are welcome from Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 1.30pm throughout August.

The images show the courtyard before the work began (left) and after (right).

Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, 142 Canongate, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH8 8DD; tel: 0131 529 4143; website.