ARCHAEOLOGISTS are investigating one of Scotland's oldest bowling greens in Stirling.

As part of a wider £3million scheme to save the historic 17th century Cowane's Hospital near Stirling Castle, a team of archaeologists is hoping to gain vital information, needed to restore the Dutch parterre garden and bowling green at the almshouse.

The site may also have been used by Cromwellians and Jacobites to siege Stirling Castle and the team from Edinburgh-based Addyman Archaeology will also look for evidence of the two sieges.

Rob Robinson, Cowane's Hospital Maintenance Trust project development manager, said: “This is a very exciting moment for us – we are hopefully about to rediscover some fascinating secrets about the history of Cowane’s and of Stirling.

“The garden is very rare survival and an important part of Stirling and Scotland’s heritage, and our aim is to return it to how it was when it was created by the Earl of Mar’s gardener, Thomas Harlaw, in the early 18th century.”

Cromwellian forces, under General Monck, set up gun platforms in the neighbouring churchyard of the Holy Rood and the church itself was damaged in the fighting in 1651, with archaeologists hoping to find more evidence of the battle. The siege resulted on the surrender of the castle garrison under Colonel Conyngham.

It is also believed the area may have been affected by the failed Jacobite siege of early 1746.

The team may also find evidence of medieval and early post-medieval buildings that may have been demolished to make way for the almshouse and gardens.

The investigation started yesterday and will continue to the weekend before the trenches are backfilled on Monday.

Pupils from local schools will be visiting the site tomorrow and members of the public are also welcome to head along and have a chat.

Rob added:“This is Stirling’s heritage and we would very much welcome the people of the area to come along and find out more.

“We are looking forward to telling people the results of the investigation and how they will shape our plans for the future.”

The trust recently secured a stage one Heritage Lottery Fund pass and is working towards a full application to restore the hospital and gardens and open them fully to the public.

For more information and to get involved, visit cowanes.org.uk.