The site of the proposed Tesco superstore in Partick could have archaeological treasures buried under it, says a local historian.

The site of the proposed Tesco superstore in Partick could have archaeological treasures buried under it, says a local historian.

Robert Mellish wants any development to be delayed until the ground has been explored.

The dad-of-two said the site, near the mouth of the River Kelvin, once housed Partick Castle.

The castle was the country home of George Hutcheson, co-founder of Hutchesons' Grammar School and the city's old Hutchesons' Hospital.

It is also believed that, before 1600, a building known as the Bishop's Palace - thought to have been a country residence for the Bishops of Glasgow - stood on the proposed Tesco site..

Mr Mellish, a marketing manager and community councillor from Jordanhill, has written to Partick councillor Aileen Colleran asking that an archaeological assessment of the site is carried out before any development is permitted.

He said: "There is a very high chance there are archaeological remains beneath the ground.

"Certainly, the council should check this place out before allowing it to be built on.

"The archbishops of Glasgow did have a residence in Partick and that site has an odds-on chance of being it."

Councillor Colleran said she "appreciated the concerns" raised by Mr Mellish.

She added: "I will ask for a briefing from council officers about the investigations that should be made before any development takes place."

A controversial planning application by Tesco for a superstore, housing development and car park was given the go-ahead this summer for the land between Beith Street and the River Kelvin after a public inquiry.

But in June an adjacent piece of land seen as essential to Tesco for access to the site was bought by Glasgow Harbour for £4.1million.

It is still not clear how ownership of the vital piece of land will affect the development.