Historic Scotland is due to begin an excavation at Broughty Castle Green in Broughty Ferry this week.

The agency has commissioned archaeological excavations to investigate the cause of a hole which has opened up on the castle green.

A geophysical survey took place late last year to investigate the cause of the hole which is roughly a foot long. It is thought that there may be the remains of several buildings underneath the green.

Archaeologists will now determine why the hole has opened up at this location by stripping the turf off an area approximately 5x5m.

There is 3 primer pits underneath the surface. Primer pits were used for the arming of navel mines. The area of subsidence has occurred directly over one of these pits and the pit itself is likely to be over a metre in depth.

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A popular place with walkers, the green to the north of the castle was the former site of a number of military buildings.

In the 1880s, the Tay Division Submarine Miners Royal Engineers set up at Broughty to carry out the deployment of mines in the Tay. The castle green was also the site of the castle battery. The construction of the castle battery began in 1903, the battery was mobilised in 1915 and remained there until the end of the war. By 1956 all guns and equipment had been removed from Broughty Castle.

Dr Kirsty Owen, Historic Scotland cultural resources advisor for central Scotland, said: "This excavation is a great opportunity for us to learn more about the later military history of Broughty Castle. The castle encapsulates 500 years of defence of the Tay.

"This excavation will hopefully help us understand why this hole has opened up. We aim to identify the best way to make this beautiful spot near the Tay accessible for visitors whilst respecting these important archaeology remains."

The excavation work is due to take place on Tuesday February 3 and will last for around one week.

(GK/JM)