INTREPID members of the public are being given the chance to experience a piece of medieval archaeology up close in celebration of Renfrewshire’s heritage.
To mark Doors Open Day 2019, experts from Guard Archaeology will lead guided tours of the historic Abbey Drain, in Paisley, on Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8.
And, as places on the tours will be in high demand, spaces will be allocated via a ballot.
The 100-metre-long underground passageway, thought to be more than 700 years old, was unearthed in the 19th century and rediscovered in the 1990s.
This summer, an eight-week excavation – dubbed ‘the Big Dig’ – unearthed a well-preserved 14th-century archway marking where and how the drain met the River Cart, around three metres from the banks of the present-day river.
Archaeologists can now pinpoint the end of the drain and the boundary wall of the monastery.
Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron said: “The Abbey Drain tour is a very exciting opportunity for anyone interested in architecture, archaeology and heritage to experience a medieval structure first-hand.
“I’ve been into the inner workings of the drain myself and it was a fascinating experience.
“There will be plenty going on all over Renfrewshire as part of Doors Open Day. I would encourage people of all ages to get out and about across the weekend and support local businesses while learning more about our heritage and culture.”
To be in with a chance of going down the drain, visit here and fill out the ballot form.
The ballot will close on Friday, August 23.
Tours will run between 10am and 4.30pm on both September 7 and 8.
Participants must be aged 12 or over.
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