Upload
others
View
1
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
NORTHLIGHT HERITAGE
REPORT: 29
PROJECT ID: 4004161
DATA STRUCTURE REPORT
Western Isles Converter Station
Archaeological Evaluation
Balblair Woods, Beauly, Highland
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
Northlight Heritage
Room 406 • South Block • 64 Osborne Street • Glasgow G1 5QT
web: www.northlight-heritage.co.uk | tel: 0845 901 1142
email: [email protected]
Western Isles Converter Station
Balblair Woods, Beauly, Highland
NGR: NH 5050 4470
Data Structure Report
on behalf of
SHETL
Cover Plate: Evaluation trenches in Balblair Wood
Report by: Alastair Becket
Illustrations by: Charlotte Francoz and Alastair Becket
Edited by: Alan Leslie
Director: Alastair Becket
Project Management: Alan Leslie
Evaluation Supervisor: Jem Heinemeier
Evaluation Surveyor: Charlotte Francoz
Evaluation Team:
Andrew Gallacher, Anthony Russell & Aoife Gould
Approved by: Alan Leslie
Date: 23/08/2012
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
3
CONTENTS
Abstract 5
1 Introduction 5
2 Location, Geology and Topography 5
3 Archaeological and Historical Context 6
4 Summary Objectives 6
5 Methodology 7
6 Results 9
7 Discussion 12
8 Recommendations 12
9 List of Sources 13
10 Appendices 14
Appendix 1: tables / concordances 14
Appendix 2: WSI 18
Appendix 3: DES 31
FIGURES
1 Site location 4
2 Evaluation trenches and known archaeology 8
3 SW facing section across linear bank (FTR 6a) 10
PLATES
1 Small cairn at eastern end of the evaluation area (FTR 5) 9
2 Trench 17 (FTR 7), viewed from NE 10
3 Trench 16 (FTR 8), viewed from NE 10
4 Detail of cobble bank on N edge of possible hut circle (FTR 9) 11
TABLES
1 Trench Information 14
2 Drawings 15
3 Photographs 16
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
4
Figure 1: Site Location
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
5
Abstract
An archaeological evaluation was undertaken at Balblair Wood, near Beauly, Highland, on the site of a proposed
converter station, as part of SHETL Western Isles Connection programme. The work was conducted by
Northlight Heritage between 19 and 26 June 2012.
Six features, previously identified through survey, were investigated through trial trenching. The features
appear to be broadly similar to other nearby cairn and possible hut-circle features elsewhere in Balblair Wood.
No direct dating evidence for the features was recovered during the evaluation, although it is likely (based upon
their morphology, construction and proximity to known prehistoric features) that they represent some form of
prehistoric occupation of the site. Trenches were also opened elsewhere in the evaluation area, often in areas
between and around the known features, and no further archaeological remains were encountered.
1. Introduction
1.1
This report presents the results of archaeological works at Balblair Wood, conducted by Northlight Heritage on
behalf of SHETL between 19 and 26 June 2012. 24 trenches, a total of 1075.2 m², were opened within the
proposed development area meaning that just over 10% of the total area was evaluated. Part of the site was
inaccessible for evaluation due to ecological constraints and another area was too steep to evaluate safely
(Figure 1).
2. Location, Geology and Topography
2.1
The proposed development site comprises an area of woodland at the eastern end of Balblair Wood, west of
the existing Wester Balblair Substation, south of the A831 and north of Balblair Sand and Gravel Quarry at NGR:
NH 5050 4470. As the eastern end of the converter station area had been previously evaluated as part of the
mitigation works for the Beauly to Denny 400kv Overhead Transmission Line project (Becket 2010), only the
western end of the proposed Western Isles Converter Station site required archaeological evaluation (Figure 1).
2.2
The topography within the evaluation area was varied, featuring several slopes and undulations most of which
appeared natural in origin, relating to the superficial geology. The area had been relatively sparsely planted
with Scots Pine and was also covered with thick bracken and shrub trees. The underlying drift geology
consisted of river terrace deposits whilst the underlying bedrock was Ousdale Arkose Formation.
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
6
3. Archaeological and Historical Context
3.1
A total of six archaeologically sensitive sites were known to be upstanding within the development area; four
possible hut circles (Features FTR 5, 7, 8 & 9) and two low banks (FTR 6a & 6b) (Figure 2). These sites lie within
Balblair Wood and potentially represent part of a much broader and more complex prehistoric landscape, which
appears to extend through the woodland to the east and west of the evaluation area.
3.2
Balblair Wood has been the subject of several episodes of archaeological work in the past, including surveys in
1999 (Neighbour, 1999), 2002 (NOSAS, 2002) and 2005, the latter during the preparation of the archaeological
element of the Environmental Assessment for the Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Transmission Line project
(published 2007). Subsequent evaluation and excavation has also taken place at the eastern end of Balblair
Wood as part of the new Beauly Substation Development (encompassing the access road and eastern side of
the proposed converter station). All of these recent archaeological surveys and investigations have identified
substantial numbers of features within Balblair Wood, and the quantity of potential settlement components
suggests the preservation of evidence for human occupation and exploitation of what was clearly an important
prehistoric landscape. The nearby excavation of a Neolithic/Bronze Age burial (Hanley & Sheridan, 1994) to the
south of the proposed development area, in what is now Balblair Quarry, and the presence of a Bronze Age
burial cairn, with associated rock art, in the woods to the west (Dutton et al, 2007), demonstrates that this
landscape is also particularly rich in prehistoric funerary monuments.
4. Summary Objectives
The project objectives were:
to identify the location, nature and extent of features or objects of archaeological significance, both
known and hitherto unrecorded, that had the potential to be damaged or destroyed by the
development;
to record through measured survey, all known and hitherto unrecorded features of archaeological
significance within the areas due to be disturbed as a consequence of the proposed development;
to ensure, through their clear demarcation in the field, the avoidance of impacts by the
development on any archaeology outwith but close to the areas proposed for development;
to evaluate the previously undisturbed areas proposed for development, including the known sites
within those areas where direct impacts had been identified as likely, leading to proposals and
arrangements for either their preservation in situ wherever this can be achieved or their
preservation by record (through excavation) where they cannot be protected within the
development;
where necessary, to ensure the preservation by record of all significant archaeological remains
which will be destroyed by the proposed development, either through pre-planned set piece
excavation, or as part of an archaeological watching brief, or both;
to ensure that the needs for archaeological conservation and recording were met without causing
any unnecessary delay or disturbance to the development project.
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
7
5. Methodology
5.1
To investigate the area, a total of twenty-four trenches were opened (Figure 2), amounting to c. 1075.2 m² in
total, representing a c 10% evaluation of the total proposed construction area.
5.2
The trenches were located in order to achieve broad coverage of the proposed development area, but also
sought to target any particularly likely areas where evidence of past human activity may survive, based on a
reading of the local terrain, vegetation cover and known archaeological sites, while taking into account
constraints imposed by topographic and other considerations. Three areas were unavailable for evaluation.
The southernmost of these lay outside the woods within the existing quarry boundary and was not evaluated
because any archaeologically significant features which might have been present would have been destroyed by
quarrying. To the north an area beneath overhead power-lines was avoided because of ecological constraints
that had been put in place to protect badger setts, and in the northernmost part of the proposed development
area, the sloping ground was assessed to be too steep to evaluate safely. Four trenches (T13, 14, 15 & 18) were
located just outside the proposed development area to the west to investigate a flat piece of ground which
straddled the proposed development boundary and to ensure that the 10% evaluation area was still reached
despite the un-evaluated areas described above.
5.3
Trenches were opened using a tracked mechanical excavator operating under the instruction and constant
supervision of the archaeological team. The mechanical excavator removed the topsoil to the level of the
natural subsoil or the first archaeological horizon, whichever was encountered first. The mechanical excavator
was fitted with a 1.6 m wide flat-bladed ditching bucket during all trench opening operations. Areas of potential
archaeological interest within each trench were cleaned by hand and features and deposits were recorded but
not excavated, except for two features (linear banks 6a & 6b) which were sectioned with bucket-width slots in
an attempt to determine their character, quality, date and complexity. Trenches and archaeological features,
deposits and artefacts were recorded in accordance with the detailed methodology presented within the WSI
(Appendix 2). No environmental bulk samples were taken during the course of the fieldwork.
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
8
Figure 2: Evaluation trenches and known archaeology
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
9
6. Results
6.1
Twenty-four evaluation trenches, each 1.6 m wide, were opened within the proposed development area (Figure
2). Eight features requiring further examination were identified in nine of the evaluation trenches, all of which
had been previously identified as upstanding features. No features or deposits of archaeological significance
were encountered in the remaining fifteen trenches. Details of the individual trenches are provided in
Appendix 1.
6.2
Topsoil was broadly consistent across the site, comprising a dark reddish-brown sand silt varying in depth from
0.05 m to 0.25 m. The general lack of topsoil was notable, and in many places vegetation grew on a very thin
layer of this material with roots bedded into the subsoil. The subsoil comprised a sand-and-gravel matrix, of
mostly orange-brown colour, set around rounded cobbles of mixed sized, consistent with river terrace deposits.
Plate 1: Small cairn at eastern end of the evaluation area (FTR 5)
6.3
Feature 5 (Plate 1), located at the eastern end of the evaluation area, was investigated with a single trench (T7).
The feature appears to comprise a pile of small- and-medium-sized cobbles, with a dark-brown silty sand matrix
around them. No artefacts or deposits were found within the trench, but the nature of the material and the
circular shape of the feature in plan suggest that it represents a cairn.
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
10
Figure 3: SW facing section across linear bank (FTR 6a)
6.4
A linear bank (FTR 6a) which runs from NW to SE, was encountered in trenches T5 and T6 (Figure 2). The bank is
fairly well preserved and is composed of medium-to-large-sized cobbles in a matrix of silty sand (Figure 3). The
bank was up to 0.8 m high and extends for approximately 50 m as identified during previous survey work. A
second bank (FTR 6b) was less well-defined, although remains of the bank were visible in trenches T5 and T8.
This bank appears to have been constructed in the same way as bank FTR 6a but as encountered is lower (c.
0.3m) and, as a result, less visible on the surface.
Plate 2: Trench 17 (FTR 7), viewed from NE Plate 3: Trench 16 (FTR 8), viewed from NE
6.5
Evaluation trench T17 was located in order to investigate a possible hut circle (FTR 7). It appears that this
feature is in fact a broadly circular cairn, comprising cobbles within a thin matrix of silty sand (Plate 2). No other
deposits or distinguishing characteristics were identified within the evaluation trench. To the west of this,
however, trench T16 bisected the northern bank of another possible hut-circle (FTR 8). This feature is defined
by a roughly circular bank, 1.7 m wide and 0.3 m high, which comprises cobbles and silty sand (Plate 3). No
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
11
other features or deposits were associated with these features.
6.6
A further possible hut circle (FTR 9) was located in the south-western corner of the proposed development
area. A trial trench (T19) demonstrated that the bank defining this feature was approximately 2.5 m wide and
comprised medium-sized cobbles in a matrix of mid-brown sandy silt. This feature appears very similar to
another large possible hut circle (FTR 2) which is under investigation within the Beauly Substation excavation
area at the time of writing.
Plate 4: Detail of cobble bank on N edge of possible hut-circle (FTR 9)
6.7
Trenches placed elsewhere within the proposed development area proved to be archaeologically sterile,
although deposits of cobbles were occasionally encountered. One such deposit was identified within trenches
T18 and T19, where cobbles lay along the side of a slight slope which formed a ‘dip’ in the topography. The
same ‘dip’ was encountered within trench T20 but in this instance no cobbles were present. The deposits of
cobbles appear to be natural in origin, distinguishable from the various cairns and banks due to their
morphology and lack of anthropogenic material. Similar natural deposits were encountered during the previous
evaluation to the east (Becket 2010).
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
12
7. Discussion
7.1
The soils encountered during the evaluation, along with the topography and geology of the landscape around
Balblair Wood all suggest that the area was once quite different to how it appears today. Understanding this
landscape and the environmental conditions at the time the features were created and used will be important
to reach a full understanding the site as a whole.
7.2
No new archaeological features were identified during the evaluation, although all six previously known sites
are likely to be of prehistoric date and as such warrant further investigation. The areas between features, and
approximately the northern part of the site, appear to be archaeologically sterile, as no artefacts, deposits or
features were encountered.
7.3
Of the confirmed archaeologically sensitive sites it appears that two (FTR 8 & 9) may be hut circles, two (FTR 5 &
7) are cairns and two (FTR 6a & 6b) are linear banks. The similarity of these features to those within the Beauly
Substation area is notable and suggests that these features may all be contemporary, part of a wider landscape
of prehistoric cairns and structures which survives in Balblair Wood.
8. Recommendations
8.1
As archaeologically sensitive features have been demonstrated to survive within the development area it is
recommended that a phase of archaeological excavation is required (Stage 2 works as described within the WSI
– see Appendix 2). Avoidance of these features is impossible within the scope of the development works as
currently planned. A project design for excavation works will be produced by Northlight Heritage, detailing the
strategy for full excavation of the features and will be submitted for the approval of the Highland Council
Historic Environment Team (HET).
8.2
The Highland Council HET will be consulted in determining which sites require to be excavated and to what
extent, with particular reference to the results of the Beauly Substation excavation which is ongoing at the time
of writing. Set-piece excavation will also give rise to the need for the preparation and execution of a Stage 3
post-excavation programme in due course.
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
13
9. List of Sources
Becket, A., 2010, Beauly Substation Archaeological Evaluation, GUARD unpublished technical report, Glasgow.
Dutton, A., Clapperton, K., & Carter, S., 2007, 'Rock art from a Bronze Age burial at Balblair, near Inverness’, in
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 137, 117-136.
Hanley, R., & Sheridan, A., 1994, ‘A Beaker Cist from Balblair, near Beauly, Inverness District’, in Proceedings of
the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 124, 129-139.
Neighbour, T., 1999, Balblair Wood, Beauly, Archaeological Survey, CFA unpublished technical report 514.
North of Scotland Archaeological Society, 2002, Field Survey of Balblair Wood, Beauly. Highland Council
Archaeology Unit unpublished survey report.
Map Sources
British Geological Survey, 1:50000, http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyviewer (accessed 11/07/2012)
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
14
10. Appendices
Appendix 1: tables / concordances
Table 1: Trench Information
Trench Dimensions
Topsoil Subsoil Notes Length Width Depth
1 42 1.6 0.2 Dark brown and grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange brown sandy silt with frequent rounded cobbles and root bioturbation.
No archaeology present
2 22 1.6 0.2 Dark brown and grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange brown sandy silt with frequent rounded cobbles, sometimes 'mounded into natural banks.
No archaeology present
3 14 1.6 0.2 Dark brown and grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange brown sandy silt with frequent rounded cobbles, sometimes 'mounded into natural banks.
No archaeology present
4 56 1.6 0.25 Dark brown and grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange brown sandy silt with frequent rounded cobbles, sometimes 'mounded into natural banks.
No archaeology present
5 40 1.6 0.4 Dark brown and grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange brown sandy silt with frequent rounded cobbles, sometimes 'mounded into natural banks.
This trench crosses linear banks FTR 6a and 6b. Both crossed at an angle, so sections not truly representative, but both banks are comprised of medium-sized cobbles.
6 20 1.6 0.5 Dark brown and grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange brown sandy silt with frequent rounded cobbles, sometimes 'mounded into natural banks.
Crosses bank FTR 6a at 90 degrees. Bank is 4.5 m wide and comprises medium-to-large sized cobbles within a matrix of grey brown sandy silt (very topsoily).
7 5 1.6 0.2 Dark brown and grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange brown sandy silt with frequent rounded cobbles, sometimes 'mounded into natural banks.
Situated to investigate FTR 5, which appears to be a simple cairn comprising small-to-medium sized cobbles.
8 55 1.6 0.2 Dark brown and grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange brown sandy silt with frequent rounded cobbles, sometimes 'mounded into natural banks.
This trench crosses line of second linear bank FTR 6b, although not much sign of the bank at this location, just some cobbles in the area in a slight rise (0.3 m max).
9 42 1.6 0.2 Dark brown and grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange brown sandy silt with frequent rounded cobbles, sometimes 'mounded into natural banks.
No archaeology present
10 22 1.6 0.2 Dark brown and grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange brown sandy silt with frequent rounded cobbles, sometimes 'mounded into natural banks.
No archaeology present
11 24 1.6 0.2 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange and grey silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.
Possible bank, although most likely natural, running NE-SW for approximately 10 m (crosses T11 15.6 m from S end). Not very visible on surface, may relate to a slight change in natural topography.
12 28 1.6 0.4 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange and grey silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.
No archaeology present
13 23 1.6 0.2 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange and grey silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.
No archaeology present
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
15
14 28 1.6 0.3 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange and grey silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.
No archaeology present
15 29 1.6 0.3 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange and grey, and dark reddish brown at northern end of trench, silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.
No archaeology present
16 27 1.6 0.2 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange and grey silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.
FTR 8 at southern end of trench. Trench revealed a bank of small-med sized cobbles, 1.7 m wide and 0.3 m high, which forms the extent of this feature. No other archaeological deposits were identified. Possible hut circle?
17 8 1.6 0.2 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange and grey silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.
FTR 7 at SSW end of trench. Appears to be a large circular cairn comprising med-large cobbles with a thin topsoily matrix.
18 42 1.6 0.4 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange and grey silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.
Possible cobble bank/deposit (11 m from north end of trench), although most likely natural, appears to relate to a dip in natural topography.
19 24 1.6 0.2 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange and grey silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.
FTR 9 at south end of the trench. Possible hut circle defined by a low bank (c. 2.5 m wide) comprising medium-sized cobbles in a matrix of mid-brown sandy silt (possibly denuded turf?) and topsoil material. Also within this trench is the same topographic dip with associated cobbles identified in trenches T18 and T20.
20 16 1.6 0.2 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange and grey silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.
Same (although less steep) topographic dip identified in trenches T18 and T19, but no cobbles.
21 20 1.6 0.2 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Orange and grey silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.
No archaeology present
22 43 1.6 0.4 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Dark reddish grey, very stony, sandy silt. Not as many cobbles as in other trenches.
No archaeology present
23 21 1.6 0.3 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Light to dark grey and orangey silty sand with frequent stone cobble inclusions. Some patches of gravel.
No archaeology present
24 21 1.6 0.3 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.
Light to dark grey and orangey silty sand with frequent stone cobble inclusions.
No archaeology present
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
16
Note: Concordance records for the evaluation provided below have been extracted from the broader Balblair Wood,
Beauly Substation Excavation data set (project 4004161).
Table 2: Drawings
Drawing No. Sheet No. Context Subject Scale
1 1 EVAL T6 SW facing section across FTR 6a 1:20
2 2 EVAL T7 Profile across stone mound/cairn (FTR 5) 1:20
Table 3: Photographs
Photo No. Area Context No. Description From (Compass)
21 EVAL T1 \ Post-ex NW
22 EVAL T1 001 SW facing section showing topsoil/vegetation (001) SW
23 EVAL T2 \ Post-ex WSW
24 EVAL T3 \ Post-ex NW
25 EVAL T4 \ Post-ex ENE
26 EVAL T5 FTR 6B NE facing section across shallow bank (FTR 6B) NE
27 EVAL T5 FTR 6B NE facing section across shallow bank (FTR 6B) NE
28 EVAL T5 FTR 6B NE facing section across shallow bank (FTR 6B) NE
29 EVAL T5 FTR 6A Detail of bank (FTR 6A) E
30 EVAL T5 \ Post-ex NW
31 EVAL T8 \ Post-ex NW
32 EVAL T6 FTR 6A NW facing section of bank (NE end) NW
33 EVAL T6 FTR 6A NW facing section of bank (middle) NW
34 EVAL T6 FTR 6A NW facing section of bank (SW end) NW
35 EVAL T6 FTR 6A SE facing section of bank (SW end) SE
36 EVAL T6 FTR 6A SE facing section of bank (middle) SE
37 EVAL T6 FTR 6A SE facing section of bank (NE end) SE
38 EVAL T9 \ Post-ex ESE
39 EVAL T10 \ Post-ex NNW
40 EVAL T7 FTR 5 Cairn/stone mound in NE of T7 SW
41 EVAL T7 FTR 5 Cairn/stone mound in NE of T7 SW
42 EVAL T7 \ Post-ex SW
46 EVAL T11 \ Possible low stone bank NW
47 EVAL T11 \ Possible low stone bank NE
48 EVAL T11 \ SW facing section of possible low stone bank SW
49 EVAL T11 \ Post-ex NW
50 EVAL T12 \ Post-ex W
51 EVAL T13 \ Post-ex S
52 EVAL T14 \ Post-ex NW
58 EVAL T15 \ Post-ex NNW
59 EVAL T16 \ Mid-ex S
60 EVAL T16 \ Working shot NE
61 EVAL T17 FTR 7 Mid-ex NNE
62 EVAL T18 \ Mid-ex NW
63 EVAL T18 \ Detail of possible bank\natural NW
64 EVAL T19 \ Mid-ex N
65 EVAL T19 \ Detail of possible bank\natural N
66 EVAL T19 FTR 9 Detail of stone bank N
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
17
Photo No. Area Context No. Description From (Compass)
67 EVAL T20 \ Post-ex NE
68 EVAL T21 \ Post-ex ENE
69 EVAL T16 FTR 8 Detail of stone bank N
70 EVAL T16 FTR 8 Detail of stone bank E
71 EVAL T16 FTR 8 Detail of stone bank N
72 EVAL T22 \ Post-ex ENE
73 EVAL T17 FTR 7 Detail of probable cairn N
74 EVAL T19 FTR 9 Detail of possible hut-circle N
75 EVAL T19 FTR 9 Detail of possible hut-circle E
76 \ \ Working shot W
77 \ \ Working shot S
78 \ \ Working shot N
79 \ \ Working shot S
80 FTR 4 \ End of day 25/6/12 - FTR 4 SE
81 FTR 4 \ End of day 25/6/12 - FTR 4 S
82 FTR 4 \ End of day 25/6/12 - FTR 4 SE
83 FTR 4 \ End of day 25/6/12 - FTR 4 ESE
84 FTR 4 \ End of day 25/6/12 - FTR 4 ENE
85 FTR 4 \ End of day 25/6/12 - FTR 4 SE
86 \ \ Packing up SE
87 FTR 4 \ Feature 4, general shot SE
88 EVAL T23 \ Post-ex NNW
89 EVAL T24 \ Post-ex S
90 EVAL \ Backfilled trenches N
91 EVAL \ Backfilled trenches W
92 EVAL \ Backfilled trenches NNW
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
18
Appendix 2: WSI
NORTHLIGHT HERITAGE
PROJECT ID: 4004161
Written Scheme of Investigation
Archaeological Mitigation
Beauly Converter Station
Highland
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
19
Northlight Heritage
Room 406 • South Block • 64 Osborne Street • Glasgow G1 5QT
web: www.northlight-heritage.co.uk | tel: 0845 901 1142
email: [email protected]
Beauly Converter Station
Beauly, Highland
NGR: NH 5050 4470
WSI for archaeological mitigation at Beauly Converter Station
Prepared for
Scottish and Southern Energy Ltd.
Prepared by: Alastair Becket
Director: Alastair Becket
Project Management: Alan Leslie
Approved by: Alan Leslie
Date: 19/06/2012
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
20
Contents
1.0 Introduction
5
2.0 Background
5
3.0 Project Aims
6
4.0 Methodology
7
5.0 Programme
11
6.0 Staffing and Plant
12
7.0 Reporting
12
8.0 Health and Safety
14
9.0 Welfare Arrangements
14
10.0 Access Arrangements
14
11.0 Bibliography
14
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
21
FIG1
Figu
re 1
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
22
1. Introduction
1.1
This document sets out a scheme to effect archaeological mitigation works associated with the proposed development
of the Beauly Converter Station site near Wester Balblair in Highland. The mitigation works have been designed in the
context of the conditions placed upon the granting of consent for the development (Scottish Government consent
(04/03/2011) – section SG8). The condition stipulates:
8 a) No development shall take place until the following has been submitted to and approved by the
Planning Authority: a programme of archaeological work for the preservation and recording of any
archaeological features affected by the proposed development.
8 b) The programme of archaeological work shall include a timetable for investigation and measures for
dealing with any undiscovered archaeology encountered during construction of the approved
development.
8 c) The programme of archaeological work approved in terms of this condition shall be implemented by
the developer in accordance with the approved timetable.
1.2
This document establishes actions and products required to achieve Stage 1 of a potentially three-stage process, all of
which may be required to fulfil the archaeological planning condition, Stage 2 being any further work, including
fieldwork arising from the archaeological evaluation which may be deemed necessary by the planning authority, such
as the development and implementation of a mitigation strategy to deal with any significant archaeology identified or
recovered during the evaluation work, and Stage 3 being the further analysis of any materials recovered during the
field work in either or both Stages 1 and 2 and/or the preparation of a final report on all works constituting
preservation by record for publication, as appropriate.
2. Background
2.1 Site Location
The proposed development site comprises an area of relatively flat ground at the eastern end of Balblair Wood, west
of the existing Wester Balblair Substation, south of the A831 and north of Balblair Sand and Gravel Quarry at c NGR:
NH 5050 4470. As the eastern end of the converter station area has been previously evaluated as part of the
mitigation works for the Beauly to Denny 400kv Overhead Transmission Line project (Becket 2010), it is proposed that
only the western end of the Western Isles Converter Station requires archaeological evaluation (Figure 1). This
previously un-evaluated area totals 10700 m².
2.2
A total of six archaeologically sensitive sites are known to be upstanding within the development area; four possible
hut-circles (Sites 005, 007, 008 & 009) and two low banks (Sites 006a & b) (Figure 1). These sites lie within Balblair
Wood and potentially represent part of a much broader and more complex prehistoric landscape, much of which
appears to survive within the woodland.
2.3
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
23
Balblair Wood has been the subject of several episodes of archaeological work in the past, including surveys in 1999
(Neighbour, 1999), 2002 (NOSAS, 2002), 2005 during the preparation of the archaeological element of the
Environmental Assessment for the Beauly to Denny 400kv Overhead Transmission Line project (2007), and subsequent
evaluation of the eastern end of Balblair Wood as part of the new Beauly Substation Development (encompassing the
access road and eastern side of the proposed converter station). All of these recent archaeological surveys have
identified substantial numbers of features within Balblair Wood, and the volume of potential features suggests the
preservation of an important prehistoric landscape. The nearby excavation of a Neolithic/Bronze Age burial (Hanley &
Sheridan, 1994) to the south of the proposed development area, in what is now Balblair Quarry, and the presence of a
Bronze Age burial cairn, with associated rock art, in the woods to the west (Dutton et al, 2007), demonstrates that this
landscape is particularly rich in prehistoric funerary monuments.
2.4
The proposed work will take place during a phase of excavation that will be carried out within the Beauly Substation
area as part of the 400kv Beauly to Denny Overhead Transmission Line scheme. The results of this excavation work will
likely influence the archaeological mitigation strategy developed following Stage 1 evaluation works within the
converter station.
3. Project Aims
The project objectives are:
to identify the location, nature and extent of features or objects of archaeological significance, both known
and hitherto unrecorded, that have the potential to be damaged or destroyed by the development;
to record through measured survey, all known and hitherto unrecorded features of archaeological
significance within the areas due to be disturbed as a consequence of the proposed development;
to ensure, through their clear demarcation in the field, the avoidance of impacts by the development on
any archaeology outwith but close to the areas proposed for development;
to evaluate the previously undisturbed areas proposed for development, including the known sites within
those areas where direct impacts have been identified as likely, leading to proposals and arrangements for
either their preservation in situ wherever this can be achieved or their preservation by record (through
excavation) where they cannot be protected within the development. These arrangements will require to
be agreed in advance of any on-site construction work commencing with Highland Council;
where necessary, to ensure the preservation by record of all significant archaeological remains which will
be destroyed by the proposed development, either through pre-planned set piece excavation or as part of a
watching brief;
to make sure that the needs for archaeological conservation and recording are met without causing any
unnecessary delay or disturbance to the development project.
4. Methodology
Evaluation
4.1
The archaeological evaluation works will consist of the opening of an area of approximately 1070 m², 10% of the total
development area which has not previously been evaluated, over and around the previously identified archaeological
features (Figure 1). The evaluation will comprise a series of trial trenches and will include assessment of all six known
archaeological features (Figure 1) in order to attempt to determine their date, character and full extent. The
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
24
evaluation will also be designed to target any specific locations deemed likely to contain remains of past human
activity based on a reading of the local terrain, vegetation cover and relationship to known archaeological sites, while
taking into account practical and logistical constraints imposed by the topography, existing services and other
considerations. As a consequence, the specific dimensions, orientation and number of trenches employed will not be
determined until the fieldwork begins but the team will take the suggested trench plan as a starting point (Figure 1:
trenches are not to scale and are shown only to give a sense of some likely locations). The capacity to adapt any such
plan to allow the extension of some trenches and reduction of others in reaction to discoveries in the field will remain
an important option for the duration of the evaluation fieldwork.
4.2
As a general rule, and in the absence of any other factors determining where trenches should be located, the trenches
will be evenly distributed across the areas to be targeted within the proposed development site, though trench density
and/or size is likely to be increased in specific target areas where the archaeological potential appears, from the results
of field inspection, to be higher than average. No extensive area within the available land, even those perceived to
have only moderate or low archaeological potential, will be left completely unexamined, unless there are
demonstrable logistical or safety reasons which preclude their investigation.
4.3
Trenches will be opened using a mechanical excavator operating under the instruction and constant supervision of a
suitably qualified archaeologist. The mechanical excavator will remove the topsoil and any other modern made-
ground deposits to the level of the natural subsoil or the first significant archaeological horizon, whichever is
encountered first. The mechanical excavator will be fitted with a flat-bladed ditching bucket during all trench opening
operations.
4.4
Topsoil and spoil from the excavations will be stored by the side of the trench. Trenches will be reinstated in the
reverse order to which the materials were removed i.e. subsoil replaced first with turves replaced last with the
vegetation side up. Watering of turves may be required if trenches are left open for long periods. Mammal ladders are
required for excavations left overnight. Any areas which require to be excavated to a depth greater than 1.2 m, or
potentially shallower in the event of unstable deposits, will be stepped or battered as required for safety reasons.
4.5
Areas of potential archaeological interest within each trench will be cleaned by hand. Should archaeological remains
be encountered during trial trenching operations, features and deposits will be recorded but not excavated, except
insofar as excavation is necessary to determine the character, extent, quality, date and complexity of the
features/deposits present. In cases where potentially highly significant archaeological features/deposits appear to fall
largely outwith the limits of any evaluation trench, where feasible trenches will be extended in an attempt to define
fully the extent and character of the archaeology present. All discoveries of significant archaeology will be reported by
the site director to the project manager immediately. The manager will in turn inform the Highland Council Historic
Environment Team (hereafter HET) and the developer, in order to allow any necessary discussion and planning for
appropriate actions arising to take place.
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
25
4.6
The written record of all archaeological features, deposits and finds will be by means of conventional pro forma sheets.
Scaled hand-drawn plans will also be made at 1:20 and sections at 1:10. Digital record photographs will also be taken.
By the end of the mitigation fieldwork the locations and dimensions of all trenches will be recorded in such a way as to
tie them to the OS grid.
4.7
If new features of archaeological significance are found within the development area, and a suitable strategy to ensure
their preservation in situ cannot be designed, then further phases of work to mitigate the archaeologically adverse
effects of the development may be required to fully comply with the terms of the planning condition. The need for
implementation of further stages of archaeological work will be determined in consultation with HET. It may be
possible to avoid any archaeological remains discovered during the evaluation phase of work. If this is not possible,
any additional phase or phases of work required by the HET, potentially incorporating full excavation, would be
designed in a supplementary document or documents.
4.8
Should significant archaeological remains be identified during the mitigation fieldwork (which may be termed Stage 1),
Stage 2 will involve the implementation of appropriate archaeological mitigation measures, which may consist of
further evaluation and/or excavation and recording of features that will be destroyed by development works, or
watching brief activity, or a combination of the above. Stage 3 will include suitable post-excavation analysis, reporting,
and publication of discovered archaeological remains, if appropriate. Further details of Stages 2 and 3 of the work
programme cannot be developed until such time as the Stage 1 evaluation has taken place.
4.9
This document details the methodology to be employed in implementing the Stage 1 mitigation works. The detailed
methodology to be employed during any Stage 2 mitigation works and Stage 3 post excavation analysis and
publication, would if required be specified in addenda to this document, to be called project designs for any proposed
fieldwork at Stage 2, and post- excavation research designs for work required at Stage 3. These addenda, if required,
will be submitted by the developer or developer’s archaeological contractor for the agreement of The Highland Council
prior to the commencement of any archaeological work, which may be specified in the addenda documents. In the
case of addenda relating to Stage 2 works (project designs), these will be implemented in full before any development
work proceeds in any relevant development phase. The HET are unlikely to advise The Highland Council to discharge
the planning condition which requires the programme of archaeological work, until such time as it is satisfied that all
stages of archaeological fieldwork have been completed (in the cases of Stages 1 and 2), or secured by contract (in the
case of Stage 3).
Excavation
4.10
Set-piece excavations will be conducted on any of the known sites identified as likely to be directly impacted by the
proposed development, and any further sites of archaeological significance discovered during the evaluation, where a)
these sites have been confirmed to be of archaeological significance by the evaluation or their significance remains
unclear; and b) means to ensure their avoidance by the development allowing their preservation in situ to be secured
have not been devised. The HET will be consulted in determining which sites will require to be excavated and to what
extent. Any such excavation work will constitute Stage 2 mitigation works and in each case where preservation by
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
26
record is required, a site/feature/area-specific excavation project design, serving as an addendum to this document,
will be produced for the prior approval of the HET. Set piece excavation will also give rise to the need for the
preparation and execution of Stage 3 post-excavation programmes.
Watching Brief
4.11
Construction work involving ground disturbance in areas where the potential for surviving archaeological remains
continues to exist will be the subject of archaeological monitoring, to allow, where necessary and appropriate,
identification of any surviving archaeological remains and either their preservation in situ (through micro-siting of the
proposed constructional element), where achievable, or, where not, preservation through record by means of
excavation and recording of any archaeological remains present. The methodology for the archaeological monitoring
will be as follows:
All instances of ground disturbance in those areas requiring an archaeological watching brief will be
monitored by an archaeologist or archaeologists;
The number of archaeologists required during watching brief activity will be dependent on the number and
size of instances of ground disturbance and the number of machines and/or main contractor staff
employed during the operations;
Machines used should wherever feasible be fitted with a flat-bladed ditching bucket for so long as the
archaeological watching brief is required (i.e. to the point where natural subsoil has been reached and all
anthropogenic deposits above or cut into the natural subsoil have been removed), except where the nature
of the construction works being undertaken specifically requires some other accoutrement;
Suitable down time will be provided to the on-site archaeologist(s) in order to allow the full recovery of any
archaeological evidence encountered. Should individual or small groups of ephemeral archaeological
features be encountered during the phase of archaeological monitoring, they will be investigated
immediately on their discovery by the on-site archaeologist(s). The archaeologist(s) will record them,
determine which if any require full excavation and then excavate accordingly. Recording media will include
pro forma sheets, drawings and photographs. In these circumstances, machine downtime will not exceed
four hours maximum. In the event of the discovery of complex or highly significant archaeological remains,
the area in question will be temporarily marked off while a decision is reached between the appointed on
site archaeologist, the HET and the developer regarding the most appropriate means of dealing with the
discovery; only in the event that micro-siting to allow preservation in situ cannot be achieved will
excavation to ensure preservation by record be considered;
Any significant archaeological features encountered will be dealt with by the on-site archaeologist(s).
Should archaeological features be encountered they will be fully excavated and recorded, unless by prior
agreement to the contrary with the HET. Any excavated feature fills and horizons will be bulk sampled for
palaeoenvironmental evidence unless by prior agreement to the contrary with the HET. All archaeological
features will be recorded by written description on pro forma recording sheets, by photograph and by
measured drawing;
If features of archaeological significance are found within the development area, then a further phase of
work to mitigate the archaeologically adverse effects of the development may be required to fully comply
with the terms of the condition. The HET will determine the need for implementation of further Stages of
the proposed archaeological programme;
If the design of the proposed development is flexible, it may be possible to avoid any archaeological
remains discovered during the watching brief phase of work. If this is not possible, an additional phase of
work, involving the post-excavation analysis of excavated material and potentially the publication of all
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
27
results, would be designed in a supplementary document. This would be prepared after further
consultation with the HET.
Should significant archaeological remains be identified and recovered during the watching brief fieldwork,
Stage 3 mitigation measures, i.e. suitable post-excavation analysis, reporting, and publication of discovered
archaeological remains, will be required.
Human Remains
4.12
In the event of the discovery of human remains be encountered, Northlight Heritage will notify the local police
immediately and thereafter follow prescribed procedure for their treatment, in accordance with legal requirements.
Monitoring
4.13
The HET will have a formal monitoring role on behalf of The Highland Council. Northlight Heritage will notify The HET
and the developer immediately of any unexpectedly significant or complex discoveries, or other unexpected
occurrences which might significantly affect the archaeological work and/or the development. In that event, all finds
and features will be left in situ until arrangements have been agreed for safeguarding or recording them.
4.14
Northlight Heritage will appoint a dedicated project manager for all the works outlined above and the manager will be
the first point of contact for any project-related liaison with the HET and the developer or the developer’s agent for all
formal logistical, administrative and financial aspects of the project.
4.15
It will be important to ensure that all formal communication, instructions, requests (including any proposed
amendments to on-site strategies) and contacts be made, ultimately in writing and in the first instance to the project
manager (as opposed to the site director or other members of the evaluation fieldwork team on site), to ensure
organisational, administrative and financial efficiency.
4.16
Any site visitors, including representatives of The Highland Council and the developer, will be required to conform to
the health and safety regime in place during the fieldwork programme.
5. Programme
It is estimated that the evaluation of the area will require a two-week programme of fieldwork. Highland Council
Archaeology Service will be notified at least one week in advance of fieldwork commencing.
Earliest Start Date: 20 June 2012
Hours of Work: 0900-1730
Timetable
Fieldwork
Week 1: w/c 11 June 2012 - Set up
Week 2: w/c 25 June 2012 - Evaluation fieldwork commences
Week 3: w/c 2 July 2012 - Evaluation fieldwork ends
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
28
Reporting
Week 5: tbc - reporting starts
Week 6: tbc - reporting continues
Week 7: tbc - reporting to draft complete (to SSE, then HET, for comment/approval)
Week 8: tbc - issue of final report
(Achieving week 8 tasks on schedule assumes rapid response to & approval of draft report by SSE & HET)
This timetable does not include any provision for any Stage 2 or Stage 3 work which might be required.
6. Staffing and Plant
Project Manager Alan Leslie (telephone 07712113683)
Project Director Alastair Becket (telephone: 07432694182)
Site Assistants TBC
Plant Mini-excavator
Plant operator Driver of the mini-excavator (TBC)
A total of three experienced archaeologists, including the site director, will be required to carry out the works in
accordance with the programme outlined above. Curriculum vitae of staff members will be available on request.
A plant operator will be hired along with a mini-excavator.
7. Reporting
7.1
Following completion of the fieldwork, Northlight Heritage will prepare a report outlining the main results and
incorporating lists of all features, finds, samples, photographs and drawings. This report will be produced in-house by
Northlight Heritage as a desk-top published document. The report will also include recommendations for further
mitigation measures appropriate to the remains encountered. Implementation of any recommendations offered will
be conditional on the approval of the Highland Council Archaeology Service. Final decisions on the need for further
work, and on the detailed specification of the character of that work, rest with Planning Authority.
7.2
The report will be prepared in line with the HET’s requirements for reporting, as specified on their online Development
Guidance (section 12), at:
www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/conservation/archaeology/developmentguidance.
The report will provide “a structure or organisation to the primary records” of the fieldwork, forming “a basis for
further work”. It will be “essentially, an initial organisation on paper of the information retrieved from the site” and
consist “of a narrative account of the contexts…discovered, including field interpretations and a set of lists. It is not
intended for publication, but will itself be archived.” Northlight Heritage will also ensure that the project archive is
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
29
prepared and ready for submission within six months of the completion of all fieldwork or post-excavation work (as
appropriate). The resultant site archive will be deposited with the National Monuments Records for Scotland. A short
report detailing the results will also be submitted for publication in Discovery and Excavation in Scotland and to OASIS.
7.3
Copies of the report will be provided to The Highland Council, via the HET, to the developer and to the National
Monuments Record for Scotland. Further copies can be distributed to other recipients if requested and specified.
7.4
The results of this work will inform the need for further (Stage 2) fieldwork or further (Stage 3) analysis of
materials/generation of a report for publication, the report will, on request, be followed by a costed assessment
specifying any work deemed necessary in order to complete the project to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority
and thus to fulfil the planning condition. Publication, where required, would normally be sought in a suitable
academic journal acceptable to HET. The post-excavation process is part of the planning condition and is required to
bring a piece of archaeological work to completion.
7.5
The laws relating to Treasure Trove and Bona Vacantia in Scotland apply to all finds where the original owner cannot
be identified. This includes all material recovered during archaeological fieldwork. Accordingly, all assemblages
recovered from archaeological fieldwork are claimed automatically by the Crown and must be reported to the Scottish
Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel through its secretariat, the Treasure Trove Unit. In the event of the discovery of
small finds during the fieldwork at Beauly Substation, a filled-out copy of the form "Declaration of an Archaeological
Assemblage from Fieldwork" and two copies of the pertinent Data Structure Report will be submitted to the Panel at
the conclusion of the fieldwork. The Panel will then be responsible for recommending to the Queen's and Lord
Treasurer's Remembrancer (QLTR) which museum should be allocated the finds.
7.6
All artefacts will be stored temporarily by Northlight Heritage until a decision has been made by the Panel regarding
the museum which will be allocated the finds for permanent curation. All finds will be transferred to the appropriate
museum within six months of completion of the fieldwork, if no post-excavation work is required, or at the end of the
latest finishing post-excavation programme.
7.7
In the event that unallocated finds recovered from the evaluation or any later stages of work require to be removed
from Scotland, for the purposes of post-excavation analysis, Northlight Heritage will be legally required to obtain the
consent of the QLTR, in the form of a loan agreement. Initially, an indication of intent would be registered with the
Treasure Trove Secretariat at the National Museums of Scotland, after which formal consent would be applied for using
the form "Application for authority to borrow unallocated Treasure Trove for research purposes". A consent form,
signed by the QLTR and specifying conditions (such as the period during which finds may be held outside Scotland)
would then be issued. Northlight Heritage will require to be in receipt of this signed consent form before items may be
removed from the country.
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
30
8. Health and Safety
8.1
The project will be conducted in accordance with health and safety legislation and with the standards and guidance
governing archaeological fieldwork set down in the IFA approved Health and Safety in Archaeological Fieldwork
document prepared by SCAUM. A risk assessment will be prepared and submitted to the client prior to fieldwork
commencing.
9. Welfare Arrangements
9.1
A welfare unit with basic canteen facilities will be available for shelter when required and for breaks from work (i.e.
lunch). The welfare unit will also contain toilet and hand washing facilities.
10. Access Arrangements
10.1
The developer owns the site although access is only achievable through Balblair Quarry. Access to the site for
archaeologists and plant will be organised through agreement with both the client and principal contractor RJ McLeod.
A 4x4 vehicle will be required for access.
11. Bibliography
Becket, A 2010 Beauly Substation Archaeological Evaluation, GUARD unpublished DSR, Glasgow.
Dutton, A , Clapperton, K & Carter, S 2007 'Rock art from a Bronze Age burial at Balblair, near Inverness’, in
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 137, 117-136. Edinburgh.
Hanley, R & Sheridan, A 1994 ‘A Beaker Cist from Balblair, near Beauly, Inverness District’, in Proceedings of the Society
of Antiquaries of Scotland, 124, 129-139. Edinburgh.
Neighbour, T 1999 Balblair Wood, Beauly, Archaeological Survey, CFA Project 514, Unpublished report.
NOSAS (North of Scotland Archaeological Society) 2002 Field Survey of Balblair Wood, Beauly. Highland Council
Archaeology Unit Unpublished survey report.
Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012
31
Appendix 4: DES
LOCAL AUTHORITY: Highland
PROJECT TITLE/SITE NAME: Beauly Converter Station
PROJECT CODE: 4004161
PARISH: Balblair
NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR: Alastair Becket NAME OF ORGANISATION: Northlight Heritage
TYPE(S) OF PROJECT: Archaeological Evaluation NMRS NO(S): None
SITE/MONUMENT TYPE(S): Prehistoric cairns, hut-circles, field banks SIGNIFICANT FINDS:
NGR (2 letters, 8 or 10 figures) NGR: NH 5050 4470 START DATE (this season) 19 June 2012
END DATE (this season) 26 June 2012 PREVIOUS WORK (incl. DES ref.)
MAIN (NARRATIVE) DESCRIPTION: (May include information from other fields)
An archaeological evaluation was undertaken at Balblair Wood, near Beauly,
Highland, on the site of a proposed converter station, as part of Scottish &
Southern Energy’s Western Isles Connection programme. The work was
conducted by Northlight Heritage between 19 and 26 June 2012.
Six features, previously identified through survey, were investigated through
trial trenching. The features appear to be broadly similar to other nearby cairn
and possible hut-circle features elsewhere in Balblair Wood. No direct dating
evidence for the features was recovered during the evaluation, although it is
likely (based upon their morphology, construction and proximity to known
prehistoric features) that they represent some form of prehistoric occupation
of the site. Trenches were also opened elsewhere in the evaluation area, often
in areas between and around the known features, and no further
archaeological remains were encountered.
PROPOSED FUTURE WORK:
CAPTION(S) FOR ILLUSTRS: SPONSOR OR FUNDING BODY: Scottish and Southern Energy Ltd.
ADDRESS OF MAIN CONTRIBUTOR:
Northlight Heritage, York Archaeological Trust, 47 Aldwark, York, Y01 7BX
EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] ARCHIVE LOCATION (intended/deposited)
National Monuments Record for Scotland (intended)