Medieval remains found near Go Ape course site

ARCHAEOLOGISTS digging in Glasgow's Pollok Park have found medieval remains near the site of the area approved for the controversial Go Ape adventure course plans.

A team from Glasgow University and Glasgow Archeological Society made the discovery while exploring an area of woodland.

They unearthed pottery and pieces of metal they believe may date to the 11th century.

The discovery was made in a densely wooded area in the immediate vicinity of the North Wood, where the treetops adventure course would be erected.

The team also found foundations of a building they believe could be up to 400 years old.
Campaigners against the plan to create the Go Ape course say the discovery bolsters their claim the development should not be allowed to go ahead.

The dig is part of a five-year project on the area by post graduate student Mark Mitchell.
At another site archaelogists unearthed the remains of what could be the city's oldest road, dating from between 700-500BC.

Stephen Driscoll, professor of archeology at Glasgow University, said: "We have been investigating what we think is a medieval fortified site and within it a stone building, which looks to be 17th or 18th century.

"It's the predecessor of the Maxwell settlement, which gave us Pollok House. It could point to the origins of the estate."

The Go Ape plan, which was approved by Glasgow City Council, is being looked at by Scottish Government ministers.

They have until July 9 to decide whether they want to call in' the application and hold a public inquiry, which could see the council's approval decision overturned.

Bob Marshall, from Save Pollok Park, is writing to the Scottish Government to tell it of the archeological discovery and push for the plan to be halted at least until further exploration has been carried out.

He said: "We do not know what is there, and if a Go Ape course is put there it could reduce the possibility of a proper excavation - certainly for 21 years, which is the terms of the lease.

"The second thing is the possibility that in construction or use of Go Ape some of the site may well be disturbed or destroyed.

"It is a normal process to carry out a full investigation of the archeological sites before development. At the very least that should be a condition of planning."

A council spokesman said: "Archaeological matters were dealt with in the report to the Planning Applications Committee in March.

"It was noted Pollok Country Park has several potential and acknowledged archaeological sites, but it was the view of West of Scotland Archaeology Service that the Go Ape proposals did not raise any archaeological issues."

From: Evening Times.co.uk