Fight on to save buried smiddy

The smiddy dates back to the 19th century

Heritage enthusiasts are facing a race against time as they bid to save a 19th century smiddy from demolition.

The blacksmith's building was uncovered during work on an underpass for the A92 Dundee to Arbroath road.

The company carrying out the work near Upper Victoria said the building would have to be removed. It is expected to be knocked down within days.

But Mary Brand from the Carnoustie and District Heritage Society is calling for it to be preserved.

She said the building dated from about 1800 and was thought to contain tools which had been made or sharpened in the smiddy.

The society's secretary told BBC News Online Scotland: "It was buried in about 1955 and has been in a timewarp. It is totally intact.

The building is expected to be knocked down within days

"We don't want it knocked down, it is a very historic site.

"I think it is something that should be preserved, but we really only have about 48 hours to get this sorted out."

She said the building was sited about 10m from the road.

"I don't see why they have to pull it down. It will not disrupt the road at all," added Mrs Brand.

She said the society had contacted a number of people and organisations seeking support for their campaign, all without success.

They included archaeologists, local politicians and Historic Scotland.

The work is being carried out by developer Morgan Est, which said the building had to be removed.

A spokeswoman said archaeologists were recording the find and would be able to investigate the ground below once the smiddy was knocked down.