Series: Ross & Cromarty Archaeological Services unpublished report series

An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey was carried out on 31March 2014 on behalf of Forestry Commission Scotland at Laggan/Strathmashie Forest, Inverness-shire in advance of the proposed construction of an access track by a neighbouring landowner. The work was undertaken to establish the baseline extent and condition of any archaeological sites on the property by recording and identifying any features that may need conservation management. The survey identified four archaeological sites, including Post Medieval structures and a water tank.

This report presents the results of a programme of recording and excavation in advance of conservation of three military bridges located by Achlain in Invermoriston during the second half of 2012. One small trench was excavated on Bridge 009 to identify a possible structural weakness of the bridge at the request of the conservation architect. On Bridge 008, the entire bridge arch and surrounding surface was excavated and a single small trench was excavated at the centre of the arch on Bridge 007, prior to conservation. The excavation allowed for recording of the bridges prior to any changes made by conservation work to the structures.

An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey was carried out on 26 March 2014 on behalf of ALF Burn Hydro Ltd in advance of the installation of a 100kW hydro scheme at Auchmore Farm, near Muir of Ord, Ross-shire. The work was undertaken to assess the nature and extent of any archaeology likely to be directly affected by the proposed development and access road in order to inform recommendations for the protection and management of any sites identified. Seventeen archaeological sites, four of which will be directly impacted by the development, were recorded.

An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey was carried out on the 22nd of July 2012 on behalf of Crosscut Forestry in advance of a new native woodland planting scheme at Braemore, Caithness. The work was undertaken to assess the nature and extent of any archaeology likely to be affected within the areas outlined for the proposed woodland planting scheme in order to inform recommendations for the protection and management of any sites recovered. The survey identified a significant number of new archaeological sites including a prehistoric hut circle, post-medieval buildings, boundary dykes, and small bridges. The desk-based assessment has revealed that the majority of the Post Medieval settlement structures recorded during the survey had not been recorded and that the prehistoric hut circle likely formed part of the wider landscape of prehistoric settlement.

A watching brief was conducted on behalf of Capita Symonds during ground investigations ahead of a regeneration project in Cameron Square, Fort William. One feature of archaeological interest was identified during the works and there is potential for further archaeology to be uncovered during the development of the site.

Castle Leod is an L-shaped tower house located north of Strathpeffer in Easter Ross. The present castle occupies a grass-covered mound that is believed to be an earlier motte on which a previous wooden or stone castle tower was built. This report presents the results for an archaeological test trench evaluation of the castle site, the main objective of which was to provide baseline data about the condition and type of archaeological deposits surviving below the ground surface. Four trenches were excavated by volunteer professional archaeologists and experienced volunteers. The results indicated that while the intermediate terrace in front of the castle appears to have been landscaped, removing archaeological horizons, significant well-stratified archaeological layers survive beyond the castle motte. Further archaeological material relating to multiple periods of renovation and building on the castle site were also uncovered.

A Level 1 building survey was carried out on behalf of Rural Design Architects on Coire Church at Torridon, Wester Ross. The purpose of the fieldwork was to record detailed information about the character of the building and its landscape position prior to re-development of the site.

An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey was carried out in advance of the installation of one 500kW wind turbine at Culbin Farm, near Foulis, Dingwall. The work was undertaken to assess the nature and extent of any archaeology likely to be directly affected within the proposed development area for the wind turbine and access road in order to inform recommendations for the protection and management of any sites identified. Five archaeological sites, which are unlikely to be directly impacted by the development, were recorded.

A watching brief was carried out on behalf of Duncansburgh MacIntosh Church on1 9th February 2013 on the site of a proposed extension to the existing church hall at The Parade, Fort William. There were no archaeological features or finds identified.

An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey was carried out at Easterton of Duntelchaig, Farr, Inverness-shire in advance of the erection of wind turbines and other future development. The work was undertaken to establish the baseline extent and condition of any archaeological sites on the property and to assess the nature and extent of any archaeology likely to be affected within the areas outlined for development.