As part of its 150th anniversary excavations, members of the Glasgow Archaeological Society are undertaking the re-excavation of a circular earthwork in Pollok Park, Glasgow. The Society previously excavated the site in 1959-60. This identified the remains of a rougly circular house, 16' in internal diameter, with a well-made, central post socket, which had stood just south of the centre of the enclosure. Its site had been levelled by removing earth and placing cobbles. An inner foundation kerb of stone was found under the inner bank of the enclosure, and the entrance causeway was found to be paved and kerbed. Finds included three stones with incomplete perforation, two perforated shale discs, and the upper stone of a rotary quern. At that time, the site was provisionally interpreted as a Dark Age Homestead, though it was later suggested that the circular feature could also represent a Norman ringwork. Details of these excavations can be found in 'Discovery and Excavation in Scotland' for 1959 and 1960
The current excavations are being led in the field by Professor Stephen Driscoll of the Department of Archaeology at Glasgow University. As a result of more careful excavation and the greater availability of scientific dating techniques, the current phase of fieldwork should serve to resolve questions relating to the date and function of the ringworks. In particular, the use of radiocarbon dating should allow a more accurate assessment of the date of the settlement. The current excavation began on Monday the 16th of July, and is expected to last for two weeks. The site is open to the public, and tours are available for anyone interested in finding out more about this site or the activities of the Society.