The discovery revealed a substantial midden, essentially a historic rubbish heap, that had been buried beneath a metre of castle debris; stone rubble, slate fragments and sandy mortar mixed with blackened clay from centuries of the castle’s gradual collapse. This accidental find prompted an archaeological investigation that would shed light on the daily lives of the castle’s medieval inhabitants.

The midden itself is an impressive archaeological feature, stretching 7.7 metres long and reaching depths of 2 metres. It consists primarily of densely packed oyster shells, many still intact or largely complete, interspersed with periwinkle shells and fragments of animal bone, all held together in dark brown, sandy silt. The shells become noticeably more fragmented towards the northwest end of the layer, suggesting different disposal patterns or preservation conditions over time. Archaeological samples taken from various levels within the midden have been earmarked for specialist analysis and radiocarbon dating, which will help establish a precise timeline for when this waste accumulated.

This isn’t the only midden associated with Inch Castle; two others have been identified nearby, one to the northwest and another to the south. The southern midden has already been dated to the late medieval period, directly linking it to the castle’s occupation. These middens collectively paint a vivid picture of medieval diet and domestic life, with the abundance of oyster shells suggesting that shellfish formed a significant part of the castle inhabitants’ meals. The location of these refuse heaps, positioned on the steep slopes leading down to the shoreline, shows a practical approach to waste disposal that kept the living areas of the castle relatively clean whilst taking advantage of the natural topography.