The Booklet and the Monograph detail the most remarkable treasure trove of ancient sites and artefacts unearthed in the South-West of Scotland, spanning a period of around 8000 years from the Mesolithic to Iron Age period.

A team of archaeologists worked along the route of the new bypass for 19 months ensuring that any important artefacts discovered are preserved for future generations. A wealth of prehistoric finds was uncovered during the excavations conducted by GUARD Archaeology on behalf of Transport Scotland. Items discovered include:

• the earliest known house in South-West Scotland, dating back to around 9,000 years ago during the Mesolithic period
• Neolithic ceremonial structures dating to around 6,000 years ago
• two Bronze Age cemeteries, from around 3,500-4,000 years ago
• an Iron Age village dating to around 1900-2,200 years ago

Some of the most interesting artefacts found include:

• a rare and complete 167 piece jet bead necklace and bracelet set dating to around 2000 BC
• a Romano-British Iron Age Brooch (a dolphin style fibula) dating to around 100 AD
• Bronze Age cremation urns 
• over 17,000 mesolithic flint tools
• Neolithic flint tools including a flint arrowhead
• over 13,500 Mesolithic flints

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “These publications provide a fascinating glimpse into the past which could have remained uncovered had work on the A75 Dunragit Bypass not progressed. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the archaeologists for their work in collating and analysing these finds to provide the people of Scotland with a wealth of information on their ancestors.”

Warren Bailie, GUARD Archaeology operations director, who led the excavations, said: “I am delighted that members of the public will have the opportunity to learn more about the lives of past generations who lived in the area. The excavations at Dunragit uncovered a depth of prehistoric archaeology spanning eight millennia, revealing the prehistoric heart of Galloway.”

The Monograph and Booklet, both entitled Dunragit, the Prehistoric Heart of Galloway by Warren Bailie are freely available to download.