Hullerhirst Quarry and lime kilns, North Ayrshire

Abstract

In 2003 archaeological fieldwork was conducted at the Hullerhirst lime kilns, to the north-east of Stevenston in North Ayrshire, in advance of construction of the A78 Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston Bypass. Despite past damage, well preserved remains of two lime kilns, juxtaposed in an L-shape, were uncovered. Although they had similar architectural components the configuration of each was strikingly different. Historical records combined with the evidence from the excavations have provided a surprising wealth of detail concerning construction and sequential phasing of the two lime kilns and an insight into the lime production industry as a whole. The unusual design of the Hullerhirst kilns highlights the local and regional diversity in kiln design.