ABERLADY’S ancient past is to be further explored by local history buffs – following a fantastic £50,000 boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

A mix of community volunteers and professional historians will undertake an in-depth archaeological survey, organised by Aberlady Conservation Society, targeting three historic sites in and around Aberlady next month.

Among the sites earmarked for investigation during the three-month project include ‘Smugglers’ Cave’ – the entrance to which was discovered on the shore, near to the former medieval harbour, by society members two years ago, and which is believed to be located underneath an early Iron Age fort.

The massive project will also focus on investigating the Glebe area between Aberlady Bay and the village kirk, and examining the origins and construction of the medieval harbour.

Society secretary and project manager, Ian Malcolm, explained that the coastal village, the official port of Haddington until the 19th century, was clearly a key settlement in Scotland during the Dark Ages.

He said: “To this day, Aberlady has surrendered the largest concentration of stray Anglo-Saxon finds than any other site in Scotland. This project is a real voyage of discovery and we are delighted by this award.

“It will enable our great heritage to be better understood and celebrated by both the community and visitors.”

The group also plans to uncover the village’s links with the early Christian church, following research which confirmed the presence of various iconography in the area following the withdrawal of Roman forces from their northern frontier.

“For example, we know that an early Christian high cross, standing nearly 20 feet high and elaborately carved with Celtic and Mediterranean symbols, stood here (in Aberlady),” said Mr Malcolm.

“This bears testimony to the great changes taking place and the important place of Aberlady within them.”

The surveys are supported by the National Museums of Scotland, East Lothian Council and the British Library.

One long-term goal of members is to use the results of the project to create learning packs for school children at Aberlady Primary School.

Source: www.eastlothiancourier.com