A huge mystery stone structure has been discovered on a site where new houses are being constructed in Barrhead.
Archaeology teams are investigating the blonde sandstone circular piece of architecture which was unearthed during a £22.68m project near Aurs Road.
Residents have expressed their shock at the find, which they believe is from the 18th century and was used as part of a fresh water filtration system.
East Renfrewshire Council is now working with specialists to determine if it is of significance and if more structures exist below ground.
Colin Cliff, 44, a resident who lives near the structure, said: “A huge blonde sandstone circular structure from the 18th century has been unearthed.
“It was part of Barrhead's first fresh water filtration system, part of Balgray and Gorbals gravitational water system. I believe it was among the first of its kind in the world to provide fresh water.
“If the plans are to remove the structure that would be very sad and costly.
“It should be cleaned and used as a feature wall for the access to Dams to Darnley Park, with a reference to its past use.”
Emma Wolfe, 45, who also lives nearby, said: “I think it’s pretty amazing that it has stood the test of time under all the mud.
“Better building work than we get these days.
“A little bit of history is that it used to supply water to the village of Barrhead back in the day.
“It would be great just to be cleaned up, and perhaps have a plaque acknowledging its history and how far we have come.”
An East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: "During recent excavation work to facilitate the Aurs Road upgrade and improvement project, a buried structure was uncovered.
“The council has notified the West of Scotland Archaeology Service (WoSAS) and appointed an archaeology team to investigate what this structure is and whether it is of any significance.
“An archaeologist will also oversee further excavations to determine if any other structures exist below ground.
“Once investigations are complete, the council, the archaeology team and WoSAS will work together to agree a way forward."
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