Work has begun on a major archaeological excavation at Cowan's Close in Edinburgh, ahead of a future housing development on the site.

An initial evaluation, undertaken in October 2023, uncovered the remains of several brick and sandstone walls, as well as mortar and concrete surfaces. Evidence of industrial activity was also found including possible glass and iron slag. These findings led to the requirement for an archaeological excavation.


The excavation, by AOC Archaeology Group on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Council, will expose structural remains including walls and surfaces to understand the function and use of these historic buildings.

The public are welcome to visit the site to observe the excavations while the archaeological works are ongoing. The excavation will run for three weeks, with members of the AOC team on site Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm.

As the area is a live construction site, members of the public will not be permitted to enter the site. Instead, there will be an information panel at the entrance to the site with further details about the history of the site, including former, now demolished, buildings.