Series: Connolly Heritage Consultancy unpublished report series

The buildings appraisal and desk assessment established that the site of 1-4 Pitcox Farm Cottages belongs to two broad phases- of construction and subsequent alterations- corresponding to the erection of the cottages in 1836 and the extension towards north in c. 1890s. The original four cottages represent a remarkable survival of single storey 3-bay cottar houses improvement period in almost unchanged form. The extensions are equally important, demonstrating the drive for housing improvements at the time.

Fieldwork undertaken at the site of Abbey Bridge Platform (Amisfield Platform) near Haddington. Despite the structure forming a pronounced feature/mound within its immediate setting, it has, until recently, escaped archaeological attentions. The mound does not appear on any historical maps or any archival material. Recently the question of the platform's possible connection to the Siege of Haddington (1548-1549) has been raised, which could only be answered by archaeological investigations

Aerial survey of the site was carried out using a camera mounted on a SUA (drone) in order to capture images for processing into a detailed contour plan of the site at 20cm interval, allowing for 3D modelling and manipulation of data for use in new interpretation . In addition, images were taken of the site from a variety of angles, placing it into the landscape for the benefit of client publications and interpretations

An archaeological building record of a garage bothy directly to the east of Culross Palace was required prior to repair, consolidation and refurbishment.

Prior to reconstruction of a garden wall sloping up to the north from Culross Palace, a full building record was undertaken which showed 4 main phases of build, rebuild, repair and alteration. 2 investigative trenches were excavated on the site of potential retaining buttresses, no archaeological deposits were encountered to a depth of 700mm

An archaeological investigation to a depth of 400mm below ground surface to ensure that archaeological features relating to the Melrose Abbey were not damaged by use of lawn for events. A gravel rich drainage layer containing 18th century artefacts overlaid a possible natural clay subsoil at 400-420 mm.

A potential circular feature of with 4 larger boulders linked by what seemed to be a stone construction was first identified as part of a field survey conducted in 2013 and an excavation was carried out at the site in June 2014 in order to establish its nature, size, preservation and date. Finds included large sherds of handmade prehistoric pottery and quantities of alder charcoal, the highest concentration of charcoal coming from the central area. The charcoal is being analysed for origin and datecurrently being dated at SUERC. Further walk overs have now identified other up to seven potential hut platforms and detailed topographical survey of the wider area continuesis proposed. D Connolly 2014

The assessment of the Meiklerig steading consisted of desk-based research followed by visual inspection of the site accompanied by compilation of a basic photographic and written record of both the interior and exterior of the relevant structures. The site was inspected prior to the development/conversion of the site into flats. The assessment of the structures demonstrate that portions of at least two yards survive- one possibly from at least the mid eighteenth century and the second from nineteenth century. Nonetheless, the site is significantly affected by modern (twentieth century) alterations and no architecturally outstanding features seem to have survived.

A basic photographic record both inside and out was taken of the Newbyres Hall as it was converted into a nursery. The exterior later extensions were removed under supervision and the elevations recorded. The history of the structures show it began life as a Free Church in 1858, before being turned into a village hall in 1882 and then altered again in the 70s when it was a masonic lodge hall. Windows have been reopened where possible and the rear elevation will have an extension rebuilt on the footprint of the 1880s? extension.

An archaeological removal and recording exercise was undertaken around the Newhailes Tea House. 118 architectural fragments were recovered, catalogued and stored with the assistance of volunteers from the Bank of Scotland as part of a Corporate Challenge. The resulting collection allowed for the complete architectural understanding of the principal elevation of the structure and quantified the remaining recovery issues. The canal to the south of the Tea House was partially cleared of recent debris and the original side slope exposed.