A crowdfunding page has been set up to raise funds for a north-east archaeological dig that could unveil interesting information about the Neolithic period in Mintlaw.
It was originally thought that the enclosed structure found at Aden Country Park was of the Bronze Age but during the last excavation of the area it was established the building found could be around 5,500 years-old.
This would date it to the Neolithic period – which was between 2,500 BC and 6,000 BC.
Now archaeologists would like to carry out a further dig at the site to uncover more of the history and confirm its layout.
The dig carried out in November last year was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund along with the Aden Archaeology Historic Environment Scotland project.
It’s now hoped that local residents, visitors and businesses will help cover the £1,000 costs by pledging donations through the online crowdfunder.
The money raised will also pay for two open days to be held on June 30 and July 6 to give visitors an insight into Neolithic life. Information will be available on the traditional crafts of the time along with an insight into the diet and music favoured by local people.
An artists impression has been drawn up to give an idea of what the site may have looked like at the time it was in use.
Archaeologist Ali Cameron was commissioned by Aberdeenshire Council to lead the project.
She said: “We were so excited when we discovered that the structure was much larger, and potentially much earlier than we had thought.
“It is an intriguing enclosure with both posts and living trees and must have been very prominent in the landscape.
“The illustration by Jan Dunbar really brings the site to life.
“We are really looking forward to going back to the site in June and finding out more about this site.”
Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the dig, which will run from June 24 to July 7, should contact the Aden skills, development and events officer at justinetough96@gmail.com
Derek Jennings of the Friends of Aden group said: “The friends are a committed core of volunteers who support the local heritage scene.
“We are astounded at the considerable amount of archaeology that we are uncovering in Aden and are hugely appreciative of any contribution towards the crowdfunding campaign which will support the ongoing archaeology work in Aden Country Park.”
To donate towards the cost of the dig visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/archaeologyataden or visit the Aden Country Park Facebook page for more details.