A GROUP of Largs school pupils have been given an exciting look back to the town's distant past at a historic local sight.
The P6 class from St Mary's Primary School paid a visit to the remains of the Haylie Neolithic chambered cairn near Douglas Park with a team from Archaeology Scotland.
The class spent the morning exploring the remains of the chambered cairn, learning all about the site, the different types of conservation issues it is currently at risk from, and what could be done about these.
Archaeology Scotland are supporting a project at the site under one of their flagship schemes, Adopt-a-Monument, which aims to help local communities engage with and conserve their local heritage,
After lunch, with facilities generously provided by Douglas Park Bowling Club, the class gathered in a circle to handle two Neolithic stone hand axes, very kindly loaned to the group for the afternoon by Largs Museum.
Both artefacts were found in Largs, one of them approximately 50 metres from Haylie - with the opportunity to handle the items giving the pupils a tangible connection to the area's ancient history.
Follow-up activities, also based around Haylie, are planned, all of which will contribute to each pupil in the class receiving their Heritage Hero Award.
This is a wider achievement award designed and managed by Archaeology Scotland for history, heritage, and archaeology projects.
The day was enjoyed by all, and some children have already taken their families to the cairn, with a much greater interest in it as a result of the deeper knowledge they now have.
A spokeswoman for Archaeology Scotland said: “We had so many brilliant questions, theories, observations and ideas. It was a really engaging and interactive day for all.
"Raising awareness of the importance of the site, facilitating positive engagement, and providing heritage learning opportunities, are key outcomes for the Adopt project at Haylie, and all contribute to supporting its future conservation and enhancing its place in the local community. ”
"It was a real community effort. We would like to thank St Mary’s Primary P6 class and their teachers, Richard Topping and Largs Museum, and Douglas Park Bowling Club.
"Thanks also to Jennifer Strachan [Archaeology Scotland placement student from Glasgow] for her work in developing the session.
"The event has helped to further inspire their Learning for Sustainability project, facilitated the extension of the class's outdoor learning curriculum, and contributed to supporting the future conservation of this nationally important, and legally protected monument."
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