Archaeological dig at Drum castle in Deeside uncovers medieval sanitation system

Archaeological dig at castle uncovers medieval sanitation system

A major archaeological dig at an Aberdeenshire castle has uncovered a medieval sanitation system.

The excavation at Drum Castle in Deeside has revealed the remains of several long-lost structures at the 14th Century building.

They include a “very large” stone cesspit connected to three toilets in the castle and grounds.

Animals bones and pottery have been found in the upper levels of the pit, as well as grains and seeds which could provide clues to the medieval residents’ diet.

Dr Shannon Fraser, The National Trust for Scotland’s archaeologist for eastern Scotland, said: “This project is giving us a great opportunity to fit some of Drum’s historical jigsaw pieces together again, giving us a better understanding of the different ways in which people lived in the castle over the centuries”.

The work formed part of a major conservation project at Drum Castle.

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