northlight heritage beauly substation report: 21 ... · 2 location, geology and topography 5 3...

NORTHLIGHT HERITAGE

REPORT: 21

PROJECT ID: 4004161

DATA STRUCTURE REPORT

Beauly Substation

Archaeological Excavation

Balblair Woods, Beauly, Highland

Northlight Heritage | Project: 4004161 | Report: 21 | 11 September 2014

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Northlight Heritage

Studio 406 • South Block • 64 Osborne Street • Glasgow G1 5QT

web: www.northlight-heritage.co.uk | tel: 0845 901 1142

email: [email protected]

Beauly Substation

Balblair Woods, Beauly, Highland

NGR: NH 5043 4464

Data Structure Report

on behalf of

Scottish and Southern Energy Ltd.

Cover Plate: FTR 2 during excavation, viewed from the S

Report by: Alastair Becket

Watching Brief: Peta Glew and Anthony Russell

Illustrations by: Charlotte Francoz

Project Management: Alan Leslie

Director: Alastair Becket Supervisor: Jem Heinemeier Surveyor: Charlotte Francoz

Excavation Team:

Andrew Gallacher, Anthony Russell, Aoife Gould, Elizabeth Pierce & Ross Clark

Approved by:

Date: 11 September 2014

This Report has been prepared solely for the person/party which commissioned it and for the specifically titled project or named part

thereof referred to in the Report. The Report should not be relied upon or used for any other project by the commissioning person/party

without first obtaining independent verification as to its suitability for such other project, and obtaining the prior written approval of York

Archaeological Trust for Excavation and Research Limited (“YAT”) (trading as Northlight Heritage). YAT accepts no responsibility or liability

for the consequences of this Report being relied upon or used for any purpose other than the purpose for which it was specifically

commissioned. Nobody is entitled to rely upon this Report other than the person/party which commissioned it. YAT accepts no

responsibility or liability for any use of or reliance upon this Report by anybody other than the commissioning person/party.

http://www.northlight-heritage.co.uk/

mailto:[email protected]


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CONTENTS

Abstract 5

1 Introduction 5

2 Location, Geology and Topography 5

3 Archaeological and Historical Context 5

4 Summary Objectives 6

5 Methodology 6

6 Results 9

7 Discussion 23

8 Recommendations 24

9 List of Sources 25

10 Appendices 26

Appendix 1: tables / concordances 26

Appendix 2: Project Design 43

Appendix 3: DES 49

FIGURES

1 Site location 4

2 Plan of the site 7

3 Northwest facing section across FTR 1 9

4 Pre-Excavation Plan of Feature 2 11

5 SE facing section across FTR 2 12

6 SW facing section acorss FTR 3N 12

7 Profiles across FTR 2 entranceway postholes 13

8 FTR 2 entranceway and internal features 14

9 Pre-excavation plan of FTR 3N 16

10 Pre-excavation plan of FTR 4 18

11 North facing section across FTR 4 19

12 Post excavation plan showing features underlying Feature 4 21

PLATES

1 Features 3S, 3N and 4 on arrival at site, viewed from the S 8

2 Features 2 and 1 on arrival at site, viewed from the SW 8

3 SE end of linear bank (FTR 1) after cleaning, viewed from the SE 9

4 Oval bank (FTR 2) after cleaning, viewed from the S 10

5 Small cairn (FTR 3N) after initial cleaning from West 15

6 Large cairn (FTR 4) viewed from the SE 17

7 NNE facing section of pit [070] 20

8 West facing section across linear bank (FTR 9B) 22

9 South facing section of FTR 2 24

TABLES

1 Context Information 26

2 Drawings 34

3 Photographs 35

4 Samples 41

5 Finds 42


4

Figure 1: Site Location


5

Abstract

An archaeological excavation was undertaken ahead of the proposed development of an access road to a new

substation facility at Wester Balblair, near Beauly, Highland. The proposed route of the access road passes

through Balblair Woods, which is known to contain a large number of possible prehistoric features, primarily

hut-circles and cairns. The work was conducted by Northlight Heritage between 18 June and 9 August 2012.

Five features which had been previously identified by survey and investigated through evaluation were

excavated although one of these, a putative cairn, was found to be a natural mound. The four remaining

features were comprised of a low dyke or bank, a small round cairn, a large amorphous cairn and a sub-oval

enclosure defined by a stone and turf bank. Artefacts recovered during the excavation of these features along

with several associated pits included a fragment of a possible copper alloy pin, prehistoric pottery and struck

lithics. An additional phase of work, conducted in July 2013, identified and recorded a low stone bank during

the construction of an access track.

1. Introduction

1.1

This report presents the results of archaeological works at Balblair Wood, conducted by Northlight Heritage on

behalf of Scottish & Southern Energy, between 18 June and 9 August 2012. A total area of approximately 1342

m² was opened as a single large trench across all features within the proposed development area (Figure 1). A

watching brief was subsequently conducted on the construction of an access track in July 2013.

2. Location, Geology and Topography

2.1

The proposed development site comprised an area of woodland at the eastern end of Balblair Wood and was

centred on NGR: NH 5043 4464. It was located to the west of the existing Wester Balblair Substation, south of

the A831 and north of Balblair Sand and Gravel Quarry.

2.2

The topography within the excavation area was varied with several slopes and undulations which were natural

in origin and related to the drift geology. The elevation of the excavation area was approximately 20 m AOD.

The area had been relatively sparsely planted with Scots Pine, the majority of which had been felled although

the stumps remained, and was also covered with bracken, heather and shrub trees. The trees had been

planted without forestry ploughing. The superficial drift geology consisted of river terrace sand and gravel

deposits whilst the underlying bedrock was Ousdale Arkose Formation (http://www.bgs.ac.uk - accessed

9/1/14).

3. Archaeological and Historical Context

3.1

A total of seven archaeologically sensitive sites were identified during an evaluation of the proposed Sub-

Station development in 2010 (Becket, 2010 a & b). The suggested mitigation for two of these sites, a relict

track-way and a bank/dyke, was that an archaeological watching brief be conducted during the development

should the sites be impacted upon. The remaining five archaeologically sensitive features lay within Balblair

Wood which appeared from previous survey (see 3.2 below) to contain a rich prehistoric landscape (Figure 2).


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These five sites were comprised of a linear bank (FTR 1), a possible hut-circle (FTR 2), two small putative cairns

(FTR 3N & 3S, of which 3S proved to be non-archaeological) and a large hut-circle/cairn (FTR 4).

3.2

Archaeological survey has been previously conducted within Balblair Wood including those undertaken in 1999

(Neighbour, 1999), 2002 (NOSAS, 2002) and during the preparation of the cultural heritage element of the

Environmental Assessment for the Beauly to Denny Project (2005). These archaeological surveys identified

substantial numbers of features within Balblair Wood including hut-circles, banks and cairns indicating that a

potentially important prehistoric landscape is preserved here.

3.3

The suggestion that the features within Balblair Wood are of prehistoric origin is lent some weight by the

excavation of a Neolithic/Bronze Age burial in advance of the extension of Balblair Quarry (Hanley & Sheridan,

1994). The presence of a Bronze Age burial cairn with associated rock art, amongst further features, in the

woods to the west (Dutton et al, 2007) also demonstrates that this landscape is particularly rich in prehistoric

funerary monuments.

4. Summary Objectives

4.1

The excavation sought to establish the full extent, character and significance of the archaeological features and

deposits present in the area of the proposed development, with especial reference to the known features, and

to excavate those features to ensure their preservation in record in advance of their destruction by the

proposed development.

5. Methodology

5.1

The archaeological works consisted of the opening of an area of approximately 1342 m² over and around the

previously identified archaeological features (Figure 2: Features 1, 2, 3N & 4). The trench layout was designed

to include all of the features as well as intermediate areas between the features which had been inaccessible

during evaluation. Part of the area between and around the features had been previously stripped under

archaeological supervision (Plates 1 & 2).

5.2

Excavations required the controlled removal of topsoil and any other overburden deposits using

archaeologically directed heavy machinery. This was followed by the cleaning and recording by hand,

undertaken by the team of archaeologists, of the exposed area. Investigation following the opening of the

trenches and removal, by machine, of topsoil and overburden was undertaken using hand tools. Topsoil and

spoil from the excavations was stored by the side of the trench.


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Figure 2: Plan of the site (not including FTR 9B)

5.3

All significant archaeological features within the excavation area were 100% cleaned. Extant upstanding

features were excavated initially by section/quadrant (as appropriate) after which full excavation was

undertaken. Sampling involved the routine recovery of up to 10 litre bulk samples from all archaeologically

significant features.

5.4

Recording was by means of written descriptions, scale drawings and digital photographs together with a total

station survey of the trench location and major features. Site plans were made at 1:20 while sections and

detail plans were at 1:10.

5.5

The watching brief conducted during the construction of the access track involved the archaeological

monitoring of topsoil removal by machine and the excavation of a section through the linear bank (FTR9B,

figure 1). The bank was recorded with a section drawing, written description and photographs. The bank

survived to the east and west of the newly built access track and was not further disturbed during the works.

5.6

All site visitors conformed to the health and safety regime in place during the fieldwork programme.


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Plate 1: Features 3S (foreground), 3N (back right) and 4 (back left) on arrival at site, viewed from the S

Plate 2: Features 2 (centre) and 1 (back right) on arrival at site, viewed from the SW


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6. Results

6.1

Topsoil (001) was very thin across the site consisting of little more than a dark brown sandy silt matrix around

moss, grass and the roots of scrub vegetation and trees. With the exception of the areas containing the

archaeological features the topsoil lay directly upon the natural subsoil (002) which comprised mainly of

rounded cobbles, in a variety of sizes, and orange brown silty sand.

Feature 1

6.2

Feature 1, a linear bank, c. 36 m in length and up to 3 m wide, was located at the eastern end of the site (Plate

3, Figure 3). This feature was comprised of rounded stone cobbles (050) and silty sand (049), possibly the

remains of denuded turf, much of which had been disturbed by tree and other roots. These deposits sat on top

of lower bank material (051) which contained darker lenses of silt sand (052). The bank varied in width

partially due to the root bioturbation but also due to human disturbance, primarily the planting of the forestry.

No artefacts were recovered from the bank.

Plate 3: SE end of linear bank (FTR 1) after cleaning, viewed from the SE

Figure 3: Northwest facing section across FTR 1


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Feature 2

6. 3

Feature 2 (FTR 2, Figure 4 & Plate 4) appeared on the surface as a low sub-circular bank with an exterior edge

diameter of c. 14.5 m NNW/SSE and 12.4 m ENE/WSW. The bank was typically 0.45 m high and up to 3.5 m

wide. Removal of topsoil (001) revealed that the bank comprised of stones (006), primarily small to medium-

sized rounded cobbles, and deposits of sand and silt which represent the remains of turf walls which had

collapsed and slumped. Multiple context numbers were assigned to this degraded turf material as changes in

colour and compaction were noted across FTR 2. However, it appears that they all relate to the gradual

collapse of the turf walls after the structure went out of use. These deposits were at their thickest around the

stone bank (such as 056 & 058, Figure 5) although some of this material was also slumped into the interior

(008, 023, 040, 053, 057, 062, 064 & 068) and to the exterior of the feature (009, 039, 054, 055, 059, 061, 063,

065, 066 & 076). In places (such as the western end of the section presented in Figure 5) it appeared that the

wall had been constructed with a turf core (056 & 058) and a lining of stones (006). However, this was not

always clear as can be seen at the eastern end of the same section drawing.

Plate 4: Oval bank (FTR 2), viewed from the S

6.4

One deposit (038) was rich in charcoal and appeared in plan to broadly respect the interior edge of the turf

and stone bank. In section (Figure 5), however, it can be clearly seen to underlie deposits which appear to

represent the in-situ remains of the bank. This suggests that the process(es) involved in the formation of the

bank deposits at the western end of the feature were complex (see discussion below).


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Figure 4: Pre-Excavation Plan of Feature 2


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Figure 5: SE facing section across FTR 2

Figure 6: SW facing section across FTR 3N


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6.5

An entrance (010) to the feature was identified on its SE side at the ‘point’ of the oval bank (Figure 7). The

entrance was defined by a break in the bank c. 1.8 m wide (Figure 4) within which posts had been erected.

Some of the banking material (039) had later slumped over the entrance way, partially filling the gap. On

either side of the gap posthole features had been cut. On each side were pairs of postholes which had been

connected with shallow slots (Figures 7 & 8). On the western side postholes [015] and [027] had been filled

with a single fill (although initially given separate context numbers (016) and (028) respectively) and the slot

connecting the two postholes had also been filled with the same material. Whilst no clear evidence of a

postpipe or packing stones was encountered the morphology and context of these features suggests that they

held posts. Noticeable ‘ramps’ to the SE of postholes [015] and [027] may have related to the erection of the

timbers (Figure 8).

6.6

The eastern postholes, [020] and [018], had been filled with similar material (020 & 018) as had the

connecting slot. Two smaller post or stake holes [031 & 029] were located to the NW of each of the posthole

groups. In the ‘entrance-gap’ between the two pairs of postholes were several large stones (034), perhaps

forming a step or ramp, up into the structure. The postholes and stones were covered with silt-sand (022) very

similar to the turf slump material (such as 009) found within the structure.

Figure 7: Profiles across FTR 2 entranceway postholes


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Figure 8: FTR 2 entranceway and internal features


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6.7

The interior of the feature was sub-oval in shape and measured approximately 9.6 by 6.6 m in plan. Several

pieces of burnt clay-like material (SF 4), perhaps burnt daub or a waste-product of pottery production, were

recovered from the slumped turf (009) in the features interior. Few internal features or deposits were noted

within FTR 2 (Figure 5 & 8). A thin spread of charcoal rich material (079) near to the centre of the enclosure

was similar in character to the dark deposit (038) under the bank (006). Three small postholes [084, 085 & 088]

were also identified along with a pocket of possible occupation material (081) in a shallow hollow (Figure 8).

Feature 3S

6.8

It became clear after the removal of vegetation and topsoil (001) by machine, followed by some vigorous hand

cleaning, that feature 3S (as identified during previous phases of work, Becket 2010b), was not an

archaeological feature but a natural high point in the topography. The distinction between man-made and

geological feature was made obvious through comparison with the nearby cairn (FTR 3N). No further

excavation was conducted in this area.

Feature 3N

6.9

A small cairn (FTR 3N) was situated between features 2 and 4, approximately 12.5 m to the WNW of feature 2

(Figure 2). The cairn was sub-oval in plan and measured approximately 8 m by 5 m and was 0.6 m high (Figure

9). It was situated on the edge of a natural break of slope, down which some of the stones had tumbled,

creating an oval shape in plan. The feature was comprised of small-medium sized rounded cobbles (003) within

a matrix of dark brown sandy silt (004) (Figure 6). A piece of prehistoric pottery (SF 15) was recovered from

near the centre of the cairn within a lower deposit of cairn material (005). The cairn appears to have been built

directly upon the natural subsoil (002).

Plate 5: Small cairn (FTR 3N) from the west, after initial cleaning

(with 2010 evaluation trench in foreground to the right of the ranging rods)


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Figure 9: Pre-excavation plan of FTR 3N


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Feature 4

6.10

A cairn (FTR 4) was situated 6 m to the west of feature 3N and was substantially larger in size, measuring

approximately 15 m by 13 m and 0.55 m high (Plate 6). This cairn had initially appeared roughly circular in plan

with a raised outer bank (Becket 2010b). Upon the full exposure of this feature, however, the shape in plan

was shown to be very irregular and the centre of the feature appeared ‘scooped’ as if dug into the subsoil

(Figures 10 & 11). During initial cleaning of the feature two small pieces of flint (SF 1 & 2) were recovered from

the topsoil (001), the latter of which is a probable scraper tool.

Plate 6: Large cairn (FTR 4) viewed from the SE


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Figure 10: Pre-excavation plan of FTR 4


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Figure 11: North facing section across FTR 4


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6.11

The cairn itself was primarily comprised of cobbles of small to medium size (Figure 11). Around these cobbles

was a matrix of soil which varied in character across the feature and was subsequently assigned several

context numbers (017, 042, 043, 044, 045, 046 & 047). Sherds of prehistoric pottery (SF 7, 10, 11 & 13) and a

small piece of copper alloy (SF 10), possibly a fragment of a needle or pin, were recovered from the base of a

deposit of silty sand (045) which notably contained less stones than the bulk of the cairn. The uppermost

matrix was the current topsoil (001) and it was clear that many tree stumps and roots had severely

bioturbated the cairn. It was interpreted in the field that much of the soil material forming the matrix around

the stones had leached down from the surface suggesting that the cairn may have been primarily stone, unlike

the bank seen in FTR 2 which had a turf component. One dark deposit (060) contained fragments of prehistoric

pottery (SF 14).

6.12

Built within the stones of the northern edge of cairn were several large stones (011) (Figure 10). These stones

were rounded cobbles but were generally too large for one person to lift which made them stand out from the

bulk of the cairn. They had been arranged in a conspicuous group and sealed a deposit of silty sand (012)

which contained a lot of charcoal and sherds of pottery (SF 5).

6.13

Adjacent to the group of large stones (011), on the northern bank, was a noticeable low-point in the cairn. In

this area the stone bank was lower and two deposits had formed around the stones (013 & 014). Whilst in

themselves these deposits were unremarkable their distinctiveness, in comparison to the surrounding

deposits, and location in this low point of the bank suggests that something different had occurred here.

Perhaps this area was an entranceway or, if the cairn had been robbed out, had been the route through which

stones had been removed.

Plate 7: NNE facing section of pit [070]


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Figure 12: Post excavation plan showing features underlying Feature 4

6.14

The removal of the cairn material revealed a group of seven negative cut features under FTR 4 (Figure 12). All

of these features had been dug into the natural subsoil (002) and were primarily clustered to the eastern side

of FTR 4, with the exception of pit [089], which was excavated after the removal of some trees during a later

phase of work on the WICS site. This pit [089] was 1.1 m wide, 0.5 m deep and had been filled with two

deposits (090 & 091). The lower fill (090) consisted of rounded and sub-rounded stones up to 0.2 m across in a

dark grey sandy matrix while the upper fill (091) was grey-brown silty sand. There was no evidence of a post-

pipe or that the stones (090) had been placed as packing material so the feature was determined to have been

a pit.

6.15

Details of the remaining pit features [025, 036, 037, 070, 072, 078] (Figure 12, Plate 7) are provided in

Appendix 1, Table 1. Feature [077] was not a cut feature but was a deposit of material in a slight hollow. This

material contained a body sherd of a prehistoric pot (SF 19) and was broadly similar to the fills of the

surrounding pits. The fill (069) of pit [070] and the fill (035) of pit [036] both contained further fragments of

pottery (SF 17 & 9 respectively) while fragments of burnt clay were recovered from the fill (071) of pit [078].

Charcoal fragments were noted in several fills and may be recovered through flotation. All of the pits had been

disturbed by the tree roots and may have been truncated during the construction of the overlying cairn.

[089]


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Plate 8: West facing section across linear bank (FTR 9B)

6.16

During the watching brief conducted on the construction of the access track an additional archaeological

feature was identified. This feature (FTR 9B, Figure 1) was a linear bank approximately 4 m wide which

comprised of small-medium sized cobbles (Plate 8). The full extent of the bank was very hard to see on the

ground surface and, as a result, this feature had not been previously identified during earlier phases of work.

It's full length was unclear but the bank continued to the west and to the east of the point at which it was

bisected by the access track construction.


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7. Discussion

7.1

The archaeological remains encountered during the excavation work at Beauly Substation represent a small

part of what appears to be a substantial Bronze Age landscape surviving within the confines of Balblair Wood.

The remains that were excavated during this project have proved somewhat enigmatic. It is not clear from the

present evidence what these features were built for although we can currently say something about how they

were constructed.

7.2

Stone cobbles were used throughout all the features as the primary construction material although turf also

appears to have been used in places. These stone cobbles were rounded and were plentiful in the subsoil.

From the observations of the field team there is a suggestion that this area was part of a river course, with

water channels running amongst banks of cobbles and silt. This is, to some extent, borne out by the results of

wider archaeological surveys in the woods (Becket 2010b & 2012) and warrants further analysis.

7.3

The features comprised low banks (FTR 1 & 9B), two cairns (FTR 3N & 4) and a circular enclosure (FTR2). The

banks (FTR 1 & 9B) and small cairn (FTR 3N) were fairly unremarkable in terms of their construction and do not

provide much room for interpretation at this stage. It may be possible to obtain dates for these features if

carbonised botanics are recovered from bulk soil samples taken during the excavation and comparison with

similar features recently excavated to the west of the site (those in green in Figure 2, excavated as part of the

WICS project: Gallacher, 2014) may prove useful. The large cairn (FTR 4), however, was quite unusual in shape,

contained artefactual material and had been built on top of some pit features. The enclosure (FTR 2) appeared

to be a roundhouse although a lack of internal features challenges this interpretation.

7.4

The unusual and irregular morphology of the large cairn (FTR 4) has a number of possible interpretations. It

may be that the cairn was originally constructed in a rough ‘donut’ shape and later disturbance (such as the

trees growing on top of the feature) had distorted this shape. Alternatively it may be that more substantial

disturbance of this feature has occurred. Had the feature been robbed out, for instance, it might account for

the hollow centre. This also leads to a possible interpretation of the nearby FTR 3N which could represent the

up-cast spoil from the robbing out of the large cairn.

7.5

That the cairn (FTR 4) had been built on top of pit features is potentially significant. The function of these

features is unclear but the presence of prehistoric pottery suggests a Bronze Age or earlier date. Material

recovered from within these features may reveal further information about their possible functions during

post-excavation analysis.

7.6

The final feature (FTR 2) is also enigmatic in terms of its possible function. In many ways it's construction

suggests similarities to roundhouses of later prehistoric date although a lack of internal features, such as

postholes that may have supported a roof, may contradict this interpretation. Further analysis of materials


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recovered, particularly the possible daub (SF 4) and 'occupation' deposit (038), has the potential to aid in the

development of theories of how this 'enclosure' might have been used.

Plate 9: South facing section of FTR 2

7.7

There was some complexity noted in the stratigraphic relationships identified within FTR 2, particularly relating

to the bank and internal deposits such as (038), which appeared to relate to the use of the structure but lay

underneath part of the turf bank. It might be that the bank has been rebuilt over time, the rebuild sealing (and

protecting) the charcoal-rich occupation deposit (038). Alternatively, the overlying bank deposits may

represent slump and collapse from the 'real' bank to the west. Either interpretation may also account for the

more substantial width of the bank at the western side of the structure (Figure 5, Plate 9).

8. Recommendations

8.1

The archaeological excavation within the proposed Beauly Substation development area has revealed that the

archaeological features identified within Balblair Wood are prehistoric in origin and of high archaeological

significance. Whilst full excavation was achieved (with certain exceptions described above) the possibility

remains, albeit an unlikely one, of archaeologically sensitive deposits and/or features being hidden beneath

sand and cobble layers. As a result of this it is recommended that any further substantial ground-breaking

works be subject to an archaeological watching brief.


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8.2

The material and data recovered during the course of survey, evaluation and excavation work will require a

programme of post-excavation analysis as specified within the project design (Appendix 2). This programme

will be set out within a Post-Excavation Research Design (PERD) document which will be prepared by

Northlight Heritage and agreed by both SSE and the local authority before post-excavation works begin. As the

proposed Beauly to Denny Beauly Substation and Western Isles Beauly Converter Station (Gallacher, 2014)

development sites take in two parts of one much larger archaeological site it is recommended that the post-

excavation programme should combine both parts, resulting in a single archive and combined products such as

publication reports.

9. List of Sources

Becket, A 2010a Beauly Substation Archaeological Evaluation Phase 1, Glasgow University Archaeological

Research Division unpublished technical report.

Becket, A 2010b Beauly Substation Archaeological Evaluation Phase 2, Glasgow University Archaeological

Research Division unpublished technical report.

Becket, A 2012 Beauly Converter Station Archaeological Evaluation, Northlight Heritage unpublished technical

report.

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.

Gallacher, A 2014 WICS Excavation Report, Northlight Heritage unpublished technical report.

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 Project 514, Unpublished report.

NOSAS (North of Scotland Archaeological Society) 2002 Field Survey of Balblair Wood, Beauly. Highland Council

Archaeology Unit unpublished survey report.

British Geological Survey, 1:50000, http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyviewer (accessed 09/01/2014)

Various 2005, Proposed Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Powerline, Environmental Statement, Scottish and

Southern Energy Ltd.


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10. Appendices

Appendix 1: tables / concordances

Note: Concordance records for the excavation provided below also include details of an evaluation undertaken, concurrently to the excavation, in the Western Isles

Beauly Converter Station Site (project 4004161, Report 29).

Table 1: Context Information

Context

No.

Area Type Length

(m)

Width

(m)

Depth

(m)

Compaction

/ Texture /

Condition

Colour Composition Interpretation Stratigraphy and/or

phasing info

001 All Deposit \ \ 0.15 Loose Dark red brown Silt sand Topsoil Thinly covers site

002 All Deposit \ \ \

Firm/Friable Orange and

purple brown

Sand gravel

with silt and

frequent

cobbles/boul

der.

Subsoil Natural deposit, with silts

washed through from

above.

003 FTR 3N Structure 5.3 8.07 0.6 \ \

Rounded

cobbles

Body of cairn.

004 FTR 3N Deposit 5.3 8.07 0.24 Loose Dark brown Silt sand Matrix around upper cairn stones. Over (005).

005 FTR 3N Deposit 5 7.8 0.12

Moderate

Mottled brown,

red-brown and

yellow-brown

Silt sand

Matrix around lower cairn stones. Under (004).

006 FTR 2 Structure 14.5 12.4 0.45

\ \ \

Low, oval bank which forms FTR 2. Bank is composed of

rounded cobbles and boulders within a matrix of sandy silt

material (008) which is probably the remains of denuded turf

walls.

\

007 void void void void void void void void void void

008 FTR 2 Deposit 14.5 12.4 0.35

Moderate Med-dark

brown Sand silt

Turf component of bank. Possible turf walls which held a stone

core? Denuded and slumped.

Surrounds stone in

banking (006). Same as

(063, 023 & 057).

009 FTR 2 Deposit 9.6 6.6 0.15 Moderate

Mottled brown

and orange Sand silt

Fairly 'clean' deposit in interior of FTR 2. Possible turf collapse? Seals interior features

010 FTR 2 Structure \ \ \ \ \ \ Number assigned to describe group of features and deposits

that make up the entranceway to FTR 2.

Features include [015, 027,

031, 029, 018, 020] , (034)

011 FTR 4 Structure 2.5 1.25 0.4 \ \ \ Conspicuous arrangement of some very large rounded Sealed deposit (012) which


27

boulders, in a broadly rectangular shape in plan, in the NW

quadrant of FTR 4.

contained pottery.

012 FTR 4 Deposit 4.1 1.9 0.33 Moderate to

firm

Mottled red-

brown and

orange-brown

Silty sand A lens of particularly charcoal-rich material. Contained pottery

(SF5).

Partially underlying large

stones (011). Lies on top

of natural subsoil (002).

013 FTR 4 Deposit 3.5 0.6 0.39 Moderate Light grey

brown mottled

with orange

and dark grey

patches

Silty sand Light grey mottled deposit which has filtered down through

(017) to create a matrix around the stones of the bank. Gravity

and bioturbation, possibly exacerbated by human action, have

caused (013) to seep out slightly beyond the edges of the cairn .

If FTR 4 has been robbed, then (013) lying at a shallow point in

the bank forms an easy access way to the centre. Either this

existed already and was exploited or it was created by those

removing the stone from the cairn.. This action created a layer

of silty sand, similar to places in (017)/(045) but without large

amount of stone and distinct from darker (914) which built up

ove the above and beside it.

Under (014), over (002)

014 FTR 4 Deposit 2.0 0.8 0.21 Loose dark-grey

mottled with

patches of light

grey and orange

Silty sand Dark grey mottled soil which has been deposited by natural

action and mixed with the overlying topsoil and stones. As (014)

overlies (013), it seems clear this is a later deposit and that

there have been two stages of deposition in this area with (014)

being largely the result of natural action.

Under (001), over (013)

015 FTR 2 Cut 0.6 0.42 0.4 \ \ \ Probable posthole by virtue of relationship between features

within (010), although no post-pipe survives. Connected to

feature [027] by shallow slot.

Filled by (016)

016 FTR 2 Fill 0.6 0.42 0.4 Moderate-

Friable

Red-brown Sandy silt Fill of posthole. No postpipe or packing stones evident. Fills cut [015]

017 FTR 4 Structure 16.4 11.4 0.6

Stone bank \

Stone with

grey-brown

sandy matrix

filling gaps

(017) is bank material of FTR 4, a number of large stones and

small to medium sized rounded and sub-rounded stones with a

grey brown sand filling the gaps and lenses of darker material

scattered occasionally throughout. (017) is noticeably absent

from the centre of the cairn and is much sparser on the

northern, particularly the NE part of the area. May be a result of

robbing out stone robbed out of the centre, but antiquarians or

others, especially as FTR 4 is not a well-defined ring. (see

context sheet for further details)

Under (013), (042), (043);

over (073).


28

018 FTR 2 Cut 0.7 0.5 0.4

\ \ \

Probable posthole by virtue of relationship between features



Filled by (019)


Friable

Red-brown Sandy silt Fill of posthole. No postpipe but three possible packing stones. Fills cut [018]

020 FTR 2 Cut 0.6 0.5 0.5

\ \ \




Filled by (021)


Friable

Red-brown Sandy silt Fill of posthole. No postpipe or packing stones evident. Fills cut [020]

022 FTR 2 Deposit 2 1.8 0.23

Moderate

Mottled grey-

brown, dark

grey and light

orange brown

Sandy silt Deposit which overlies entrance features (010). Possible post-

abandonment slump of turf. Perhaps from a roof supported by

the posts?

Seals (016, 019, 021, 028,

030, 032, & 034). Lies

under slump deposit (039).

023 FTR 2 Deposit 3.1 4 0.25

Moderate to

firm

Mottled dark

grey, grey-

brown, dark

orange-brown

Sandy silt Lower bank material. Possibly in-situ remains of turf wall. Lies under main body of

stone (006) and matrix

(008/040)

024 FTR 4 Fill 0.6 0.55 0.3 Moderate to

loose Dark brown Silty sand

Fill of pit [025]. Pit with unknown function. Fill of pit [025]. Under

(045).

025 FTR 4 Cut 0.6 0.55 0.3 \ \ \

Pit with unknown function under bank of cairn. Filled by (024). Cut into

natural (002).

026 FTR 2 Fill 0.28 0.17 0.11 Moderate Mid-dark brwon

mottled

Sandy silt Probable in-filled stone or root hole. Natural. \

027 FTR 2 Cut 0.4 0.4 0.45

\ \ \




Filled by (028)


friable Red-brown Sandy silt

Fill of posthole. No postpipe or packing stones evident. Fill cut [027]

029 FTR 2 Cut 0.23 0.23 0.24 \ \ \ Small round post or stake-hole. On edge of posthole [018]. Filled by (030)


friable Grey-brown Sandy silt

Fill of [029]. No postpipe. Fill of [029]

031 FTR 2 Cut 0.23 \ 0.19 \ \ \ Small round post or stake-hole. On edge of posthole [027]. Filled by (032)

032 FTR 2 Fill 0.23 \ 0.19 Moderate-

friable

Grey-brown

mottled Sandy silt

Fill of [031]. No postpipe. Fill of [031]

033 void void void void void void void void void void


29

034 FTR 2 Structure 0.6 0.55 0.21

\ \ Stone

A deposit of four med-large sized stones place in the gap

between posthole alignments that make up entranceway (010).

Possibly some kind of kerb or step at the entrance to the

structure?

Placed on natural (002).

Covered by turf slump

(022).

035 FTR 4 Fill 0.8 0.55 0.4 Moderate Grey-brown Silty sand

Fill of pit [036], containing pottery (SF9) on southern edge of

feature.

Fill of cut [036]. Covered

by (047).

036 FTR 4 Cut 0.8 0.55 0.4 \ \ \

Simple pit which lay just within the stone bank of FTR 4. Filled by (035). Cut into

natural (002).

037 FTR 4 Cut 0.93 0.4 0.1 \ \ \

Sub-oval pit of uncertain function. Filled by (041). Cut into

natural (002).

038 FTR 2 Deposit 0.5 \ 0.15

Friable Black, med-

brown Sandy silt

Lens/deposit of charcoal rich sandy silt below bank (006).

Possible occupation deposit sealed beneath slumped bank

material? No evidence of in-situ burning.

Under (058 & 059), over

(053).

039 FTR 2 Deposit \ \ \ Moderate

Red-brown and

black Sandy silt

Overburden material, found in patches across feature. May

relate to turf slump which has been severely bioturbated.

Over (009), under topsoil

(001).

040 FTR 2 Deposit \ \ \ Moderate-

friable

Mottled dark

orange, mid-

brown, grey

Sandy silt

Matrix around upper stone bank as seen in southern section. Same as (064, 053 & 008)

041 FTR 4 Fill 0.93 0.4 0.1 Loose Dark brown Silty sand

Dark brown silty sand fill containing occasional flecks of

charcoal.

Fill of pit [037].

042 FTR 4 Deposit 7.0 1.1 0.44

Moderate orange-brown Sandy silt

Orange-brown sandy silt which built up on the W exterior slope

of (017). Similar to (047), though its composition is sandier. It

was likely built up on the exterior slope of (017) as a result of

weathering and organic action (tree roots). (042) appears to be

present on the western and southern sides.

Under (001), over (017)

043 FTR 4 Deposit 2.0 1.8 0.35

Moderate

red-brown

mottled with

grey and orange

patches

Silty sand

Mottled red-brown silty sand which built up aorund the interior

slope of (017) in the SW quadrant. It's similar to (046) but is

separated from it by an area of compacted natural (044)

Under (001), over (017)

044 FTR 4 Deposit 2.1 1.0 0.3

Firm Dark red brown Silty sand

Originally interpreted as a deposit similar to (043) and (046) but

now appears to be natural subsoil (002). Rises up slightly

toward the centre of the feature forming a patch of natural

which separates (043) and (046).

Under (001) , over (002)


30

045 FTR 4 Structure 4.0 3.8 0.6

Stone bank \ Oval stones

Bank material for FTR 4 and a continuation of (017),

distinguished by containing less of the larger, more substantial

stones and a less well-defined shape. It also contains a lens of

dark material on the E. Exterior slope. Occupies the NE

quadrant and overlies a number of pits. See (017) context sheet

for more)

Under (046) and (047),

over (025), (036), (037),

(078), (077), (070)

046 FTR 4 Deposit 3.4 2.5 0.4

Moderate

Red-brown

mottled with

light grey

patches

Silty sand

Red-brown silty sand which has built up on the interior slope of

(045) in the SE quadrant. The mottled nature of (046) made it

difficult to determine the exact transition between it and the

subsoil (002) at points but it clearly overlay both the cairn

material (045) and the pit [036] which underlies the cairn

material (017)/(045). It is assumed there was once cairn

material at this poitn wwhich was later removed. (046) would

then either have naturally built up over time or is perhaps the

remaisn of the pre-existing cairn material which became mixed

with some of the subsoil through weathering/bioturnbation

Under (001), over (045)

047 FTR 4 Deposit 3.6 1.2 0.3

Moderate Grey-brown to

black Silty sand

Dark, organic silty sand which built up on the E. Exterior slope of

bank (045), probably as a result of the 3 large trees which were

immediately surrounding the area.

Under (001), over (045)

049 FTR 1 Deposit \ 2.7 0.1

Moderate

Med brown

with orange

mottling

Sandy silt

Upper matrix around stones in bank of FTR 1. Probably remains

of denuded turf.

Around stones (050). Over

lower bank (051).

050 FTR 1 Structure 36 2.1 0.48 \ \

Rounded

cobbles

Stone bank Within matrix (049).

051 FTR 1 Deposit \ 2.75 0.19 Moderate-

friable

Med brown

with orange

mottling

Sandy silt

Lower matrix in bank of FTR 1. Under (049), over natural

(002).

052 FTR 1 Deposit \ 1.38 0.15

Moderate

Dark brown

with mid-brown

mottling

Sandy silt

Subsoil sained by overlying bank. Under bank (051). Same as

(002).

053 FTR 2 Deposit \ 0.7 0.22

Friable

Mottled light

orange and

light brown

Sandy silt

Matrix around upper stones of stone bank [006] seen in west

section.

Same as (040, 008 & 064)

054 FTR 2 Deposit \ \ \

Moderate

Mottled mid-

orange, grey-

brown, red-

Sandy silt

Lens of mottled turf slump against exterior edge of bank (006) Under (055), over (057).


31

brown

055 FTR 2 Deposit \ 1.6 0.14 Moderate

Dark grey, red

brown Sandy silt

Turf and stone slump on western exterior edge of bank. Over (054) and under

(001).

056 FTR 2 Deposit \ 0.3 0.32 Moderate Dark red grey-

black Sandy silt

Deposit of possible turf within bank. Under (053), over (057)


friable

Dark orange-

brown Sandy silt

Lower bank material in western section. Same as (023, 008, 063)

058 FTR 2 Deposit \ 1 0.27 Moderate-

friable

Mottled

orange, mid-

brown, red-grey

Sandy silt

Turf and stone slump from wall on interior edge of bank. Under (039), over (038).


friable

Mottled

orange, mid-

brown, grey

Sandy silt

Similar material to (009). Turf slump from wall? Under (039), over (038).

060 FTR 4 Deposit 0.72 0.97 0.12 Very firm in

centre,

moderate-

loose

around

edges

Dark-brown to

black

Very silty

sand

Dark patch of compact soil lies within cairn fill (045) in SW

quadrant of FTR 4. Large sherd of pottery found in its S half. No

obvious cut or edges, so not likely a negative feature.

Under (045), over (045)

061 FTR 2 Deposit \ 0.8 0.1 Friable Mottled

orange, mid-

brown, grey

Sandy silt

Turf slump. Over (006), under (001).

062 FTR 2 Deposit 0.9 0.8 0.2 Moderate

Dark

brown/black Sandy silt

A dark rich layer containing charcoal within the northern bank

of FTR 2.

Lens within (008)

063 FTR 2 Deposit \ 0.85 0.23 Moderate

Dark

brown/black Sandy silt

Dark, charcoal/organic stained turf deposit in bank. Underlying stone bank

material (006). Over (067).

064 FTR 2 Deposit \ 0.35 0.1 Friable

Light grey-

brown Sandy silt

Denuded turf wall slump deposit. Same phase as (040) and

(053).

065 FTR 2 Deposit \ 0.5 0.15 Moderate Mottled grey Sandy silt Turf slump. Same as (066)

066 FTR 2 Deposit \ 1.02 0.17 Moderate Mottled brown

and orange Sandy silt

Turf slump to N of bank. Under (001), over (063).

067 FTR 2 Deposit \ 1.07 0.08 Loose-

friable

Light grey-

brown Silty sand

Natural subsoil which has been affected by tree roots and

overying deposits

Under (063) - part of

natural (002),

068 FTR 2 Deposit \ 0.78 0.13 Loose-

friable Mid grey-brown Sandy silt

Possibly a remnant deposit relating to the construction or use of

the structure. Turf floor? No significant compaction, but lots

Underlying (038). Over

natural (002).


32

of bioturbation.

069 FTR 4 Fill 0.47 0.41 0.29 Loose Grey-brown Silty sand

Fill of pit [070]. Unknown function. Fills pit [070]. Overlain by

cairn bank (045).

070 FTR 4 Cut 0.47 0.41 0.29

\ \ \

Shallow pit. Function unclear. Probable BA date (pottery SF17). Lies immediately to S of pit

[025]. Filled by (069). Cut

into natural (002).

071 FTR 4 Fill 1.5 0.68 0.38 Firm Dark orange-

brown and gre-

brown mottled

Silt with small

stones and

gravel

Fill of pit with unknown function. Burnt ?clay fragments found

(SF24).

Under (045). Fills pit [078].

072 FTR 4 Cut 1.79 0.81 0.30 \ \ \ [072] is the cut for a pit. Under (074), above (002)

073 FTR 4 Fill 1.79 0.81 0.3 Moderate

Light grey-

brown Sandy silt

Light grey silty sand filling pit [072]. Contained two pottery

fragments. See [072] for more.

074 FTR 4 Deposit 0.50 0.40 80 Moderate

Dark grey-

brown Sandy silt

Dark grey fill at the base of [072] containing some charcoal

fragments. See [072] for more.

Under (073), over [072]

076 FTR 2 Deposit \ \ \ Moderate-

friable

Dark brown-

grey Sandy silt

Turf slump on exterior side of bank. Under (001) topsoil, over

(061).

077 FTR 4 Deposit 1.4 0.78 0.25 Moderate-

firm Black brown Silty sand

Thin lens of charcoal rich material under main bank in SE

quadrant of FTR 4. No real cut, but deposit contained pottery

(SF19).

Under (045). Over (002).

078 FTR 4 Cut 1.5 0.68 0.38 \ \ \ Sub-rectangular pit. No clear function. Cut into (002). Filled by

(071).

079 FTR 2 Deposit 1.25 0.85 0.02-

0.07

Moderate Dark brown to

black Sandy silt

Charcoal-rich spread near centre of FTR 2. May be patchy

remains of (038), the possible occupation layer found under

stone collapse in NW quadrant but is otherwise mostly missing.

In upper right corner is (080), [088], a posthole nearly in the

centre of the feature.

Under (009), over (080),

(002), (079_ may = (038)

080 FTR 2 Fill 0.40 0.29 0.32

Loose Light to

medium brown Sandy silt

Fill of posthole [088] near centre of FTR 2. Sealed by (079), the

possible remains of occupation layer. (080) was looser than

most deposits on site. Soil was damp at base of cut.

Under (079), over [088)

081 FTR 2 Deposit 0.50 0.48 0.025 Moderate-

friable

Medium brown Sandy silt Possible remnants of occupation layer (similar to the (038)

context, although without the obvious charcoal). Possibly filled

in natural hollow, but directly adjacent to (080), which has more

of the appearance of a small pit or posthole. As it's really a

slight spread in a small hollow, no context given as a cut.

Under (009), over (002),

possibly = to (079), (038),

(080)?


33

082 FTR 2 Fill 0.10 0.16 0.12 Moderate Red-brown Silty sand Reddish-brown outer fill of possibl posthole [084]. No sample

taken as very meagre amounts found on other side of sction.

Under (009), above [084]


loose

Dark brown-

black

Very silty

sand

Dark inner fill of possible posthole [084]. Looked very vertical in

section, so perhaps an indication of post pipe.

Under (009), over [084]

084 FTR 2 Cut 0.35 0.32 0.21 \ \ \ Possible small posthole in FTR 2, NE quadrant, although found

cut into natural (002) under stone bank. May have indication of

post pipe (083) and packing stones.

Under (083), above (002)

085 FTR 2 Cut 0.32 \ 0.18 \ \ \ Cut of a smal circular posthole in teh SE quadrant of FTR 2.

Nearly to slightly larger posthole [088].

aUnder (086), above (002)

086 FTR 2 Deposit 0.3 0.28 0.07 Moderate Light grey-

brown

Sandy silt Sill of posthole [085] Under (087), above [085]

087 FTR 2 Fill 0.18 0.20 0.12 Moderate

Dark grey-

brown Sandy silt

Fill of post pipe in small posthole [085] Under (009), above (086)

088 FTR 2 Cut 0.29 0.40 0.32

\ \ \

A roughly cylindrical posthole located near the centre of FTR 2.

It is the only deep feature in the area. It was found under (079),

a charcoal-rich deposit that might be a patchy reainder of

occupation layer.

Under (080), above (002)

089 FTR 4 Cut 1.1 1.1 0.28 \ \ \ Large pit underlying FTR4. Two distinct fills – (091) and (090).

No evidence of post pipe or packing material so identified as a

pit.

WAS [032] from WICS

4324161 - excavated

during this later stage of

work

090 FTR 4 Deposit 1 1 0.28 Moderate Dark grey

brown

Rounded and

sub-rounded

stones up to

0.2 m across

with a sandy

matrix

Lower fill of pit [089] WAS (031) from WICS

4324161 - excavated


work

091 FTR 4 Deposit 1.1 1.1 0.2 Moderate Grey brown Silty sand Upper fill of pit [089] WAS (027) from WICS

4324161 - excavated


work


34

Table 2: Drawings

Drawing No. Sheet No. Area 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

3 3 FTR 3N \ Pre-ex plan 1:20

4 2 FTR 3N \ WNW facing section, SW Quad 1:10

5 11 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex plan - NW corner 1:20

6 12 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex plan - NNW mid section 1:20

7 4 FTR 3N \ WSW facing section 1:10

8 5 FTR 2 \ Pre-ex plan - NW section 1:20

9 6 FTR 2 \ Pre-ex plan - N central section 1:20

10 7 FTR 2 \ Pre-ex plan - NE section 1:20

11 8 FTR 2 \ Pre-ex plan - SW section 1:20

12 9 FTR 2 \ Pre-ex plan - S central section 1:20

13 10 FTR 2 \ Pre-ex plan - SE section 1:20

14 13 FTR 4 \

Pre-ex plan - NNE mid section 1:20

15 14 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex plan - NE corner 1:20

16 15 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex plan - SE corner 1:20

17 16 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex plan - SSE mid section 1:20

18 17 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex plan - SSW mid section 1:20

19 18 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex plan - SW corner 1:20

20 19 FTR 1 \ Pre-ex plan - S end 1:20

21 20 FTR 1 \ Pre-ex plan - N end 1:20

22 21 FTR 4 \ W facing section 1:10

23 22 FTR 2 015 Profile of posthole and slot at W side of entrance 1:10

24 22 FTR 2 \ SSE facing section across entranceway 1:10

25 22 FTR 2 \ E facing section of SE quad (in three parts) 1:10

26 23, 24, 25, 27, 28

FTR 4 \ N facing section of FTR 4 1:10

27 26 FTR 4 036 N facing section of pit 1:10

28 26 FTR 4 037 E facing section of pit 1:10

29 29 FTR 1 \ NW facing section, S end of FTR 1 1:10

30 30 FTR 2 \ S facing section (parts 1&2) 1:10

31 31 FTR 2 \ S facing section (parts 3 & 4) 1:10

32 32 FTR 2 \ E facing section, NE quadrant 1:10

33 33, 34, 35 FTR 2 \ W facing section, SW quadrant 1:10

34 21 FTR 2 070, 069 NNE facing section 1:10

35 36 FTR 2 015, 027, 031 Profile across postholes on W side of entranceway (010)

1:10

36 36 FTR 2 018, 020, 029 Profile across postholes on E side of entranceway (010) 1:10

37 37 FTR 2 010 Post-ex of entrance area 1:20

38 37 FTR 4 078, 071 ESE facing section of pit [078] 1:10

39 38 FTR 4 072 Profile of pit [072] 1:10

40 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44

FTR 4 \ Post-ex plan, feature 4 1:20

41 45 FTR 2 082, 083, 084 SE facing section of [084] 1:10

42 45 FTR 2 085, 086, 087 S facing section of [085] 1:10

43 45 FTR 2 080, 088 S facing section of [088] 1:10

44 46, 47, 48, 49

FTR 2 \ Post-ex plan, feature 2 1:20


35

Table 3: Photographs

Photo No. Area Context No. Description From (Compass)

1 \ \ General pre-ex of excavation area SE

2 \ \ General pre-ex of excavation area S

3 \ \ General pre-ex of excavation area SE

4 \ \ General pre-ex of excavation area NE



7 \ \ Working shot - stripping vegetation SE

8 FTR 3N FTR 3N General pre-ex of excavation area SE

9 FTR 4 FTR 4 General pre-ex of excavation area SE

10 FTR 4 FTR 4 General pre-ex of excavation area SE

11 \ \ Working shot - Ally NE

12 \ \ Working shot NE

13 \ \ Working shot NE

14 \ \ Working shot SE

15 \ \ Working shot - Anthony and Jem W

16 \ \ Working shot - Aoife S

17 \ \ Working shot SE

18 \ \ Working shot - Aoife, Anthony and Jem S

19 FTR 3S \ FTR 3S after cleaning - no cairn evident. SE

20 FTR 3S \ FTR 3S after cleaning - no cairn evident. S

21 EVAL T1 \ Post-ex NW

22 EVAL T1 001 SW facing section showing topsoil/vegetation (001) SW

23 EVAL T2 \ Post-ex WSW


25 EVAL T4 \ Post-ex ENE

26 EVAL T5 FTR 6B NE facing section across shallow bank (FTR 6B) NE



29 EVAL T5 FTR 6A Detail of bank (FTR 6A) E



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

43 \ \ End of day 21/6/12 - main excavation area SE



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


50 EVAL T12 \ Post-ex W

51 EVAL T13 \ Post-ex S


53 FTR 4 FTR 4 End of day 22/6/12 - around feature 4 SE

54 FTR 4 FTR 4 Detail of FTR 4 N

55 FTR 4 FTR 4 Detail of FTR 4 E

56 FTR 4 FTR 4 Detail of FTR 4 NE

57 FTR 4 FTR 4 Detail of FTR 4 SE


36


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

67 EVAL T20 \ Post-ex NE



70 EVAL T16 FTR 8 Detail of stone bank E



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


83 FTR 4 \ End of day 25/6/12 - FTR 4 ESE

84 FTR 4 \ End of day 25/6/12 - FTR 4 ENE


86 \ \ Packing up SE

87 FTR 4 \ Feature 4, general shot SE


89 EVAL T24 \ Post-ex S

90 EVAL \ Backfilled trenches N

91 EVAL \ Backfilled trenches W

92 EVAL \ Backfilled trenches NNW

93 FTR 3N \ Pre-ex \








101 FTR 3N \ Pre-ex S

102 FTR 3N \ Pre-ex S

103 FTR 3N \ Pre-ex showing evaluation trench W

104 FTR 3N \ Pre-ex NE

105 FTR 3N \ Pre-ex NE

106 FTR 3N \ Pre-ex showing edge of stones NE

107 FTR 3N \ Pre-ex SW

108 FTR 3N \ Detail of stone composition E

109 \ \ Working shot - Aoife \

110 \ \ Working shot - Andrew \

111 \ \ Working shot - Anthony \

112 \ \ Working shot - Ross \

113 \ \ End of day 28/6/12 - working shot SE





37

117 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex SE


119 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex S



122 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex E

123 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex - showing 'dip' N

124 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex - showing 'dip' N

125 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex W

126 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex W

127 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex - from interior W

128 FTR 4 \ Pre-ex - from interior E

129 \ \ Working shot - Andrew SE

130 \ \ Working shot - All SE

131 FTR 4 \ General shot SE

132 \ \ Cleaned area between FTR 4 & 3N SE

133 FTR 2 \ Working shot - Aoife N

134 \ \ Working shot - Anthony W

135 FTR 2 \ Working Shot - Elizabeth SW

136 FTR 2 \ Working Shot - Ross SE

137 FTR 2 \ Working shot - Aoife NW

138 FTR 3N \ Working shot - Ross & Anthony levels SE

139 FTR 2 \ Working shot - Jem & Elizabeth cleaning S

140 FTR 2 \ Working shot - Jem & Elizabeth cleaning SW

141 FTR 2 \ Working shot SW

142 FTR 3N, 4 \ Working shot SE

143 FTR 3N \ Mid-ex, SW quadrant of cairn W

144 FTR 3N \ Mid-ex, SW quadrant of cairn S

145 FTR 2 \ Mid-cleaning shot of feature 2 SE

146 FTR 2 \ Mid-cleaning shot of feature 2 ESE

147 FTR 2 \ Mid-cleaning shot of feature 2 ESE

148 FTR 2 \ Mid-cleaning shot of feature 2 WNW

149 FTR 2 \ Mid-cleaning shot of feature 2 WNW

150 FTR 3N 002 SW quadrant, post-ex SW

151 FTR 3N W-facing section, SW QUAD W







158 FTR 2 \ Pre-ex NW

159 FTR 2 \ Pre-ex WNW

160 FTR 4 \ Working shot - Leaf, Liz and Ross N

161 FTR 4 011 Working shot - big stones NE

162 FTR 4 & 3N

\ Working shot SE

163 FTR 3N & 2

\ Working shot S

164 FTR 3N \ WSW facing section WSW

165 FTR 3N \ WSW facing section W

166 FTR 3N \ WSW facing section - detail WSW



169 FTR 1 \ Pre-ex - N end, ENE facing side ENE

170 FTR 1 \ Pre-ex - S end, ENE facing side ENE

171 FTR 1 \ Pre-ex, SE end SE

172 FTR 1 \ Pre-ex, S end, WSW facing side WSW

173 FTR 1 \ Pre-ex, N end, WSW facing side WSW


38

174 FTR 4 NW QUAD - W-facing section (S end) W

175 FTR 4 NW QUAD W-facing section (middle) W

176 FTR 4 NW QUAD W-facing section (N end) W

177 FTR 4 NW QUAD N-facing section N




181 FTR 4 NW QUAD N-facing section (full) NW

182 FTR 4 NW QUAD W-facing section (full) NW

183 FTR 4 011 NW QUAD - pre-ex of big stones NW

184 FTR 4 011 NW QUAD - pre-ex of big stones N

185 FTR 2 SE QUAD - working shot of poss ditch/slot at W side of entrance SSE

186 FTR 2 SE QUAD -mid-ex of poss ditch/slot at W side of entrance SSE

187 FTR 2 SE QUAD -mid-ex detail of possible packing stones SSE

188 FTR 2 SE QUAD - mid-ex of poss posthole and ditch/slot with stone SSE

189 FTR 4 002 Post-ex after removal of (012) and (011) WNW

190 \ \ End of day, 13/7/12 SE

191 \ \ End of day, 13/7/12 S

192 \ \ End of day, 13/7/12 SW

193 FTR 2 018, 020 Ditch/slot [018] and posthole [020] at E side of entranceway SSE

194 FTR 2 018, 020 Ditch/slot [018] and posthole [020] at E side of entranceway SSE

195 FTR 4 SF8 sherds of pot in-situ E

196 FTR 2 015, 018, 020 Mid-ex shot of poss entranceway including ph's and ditches SSE

197 FTR 2 015, 018, 020 SSE facing section across entranceway SSE

198 FTR 2 015, 018, 020 SSE facing section across entranceway SSE

199 FTR 4 024, 025 Post-ex of pit NNW

200 FTR 2 \ SE Quad - mid-ex ENE

201 FTR 2 \ SE Quad - mid-ex S

202 FTR 2 \ Mid-ex shot of FTR 2 S

203 FTR 2 \ Working shot - Elizabeth SW

204 FTR 4 \ Working shot - the boys E

205 \ \ Working shot -the boss \

206 \ \ Working shot - Jem \

207 FTR 2 026 N facing section of possible stakehole N

208 FTR 2 Entrance features S

209 FTR 4 035, 036 Mid-ex of pit NNW

210 FTR 4 037 Pre-ex of possible pit WNW

211 FTR 2 \ Mid-ex, SE Quad SSE

212 FTR 2 \ Mid-ex, SE Quad ESE

213 FTR 2 \ Mid-ex, SE Quad, section ESE

214 FTR 2 \ Mid-ex, SE Quad, section E

215 FTR 2 \ Mid-ex, SE Quad, section SE

216 FTR 2 \ N facing section, east half of FTR 4 N

217 FTR 4 \ Oblique of N-facing section NE

218 FTR 4 \ Mid-ex, SE quad S

219 FTR 2 \ Mid-ex S

220 FTR 2 036 Post-ex of pit NNW

221 FTR 4 \ N facing section, E centre detail NNW

222 FTR 4 \ N facing section, centre detail NNW

223 FTR 4 \ N facing section, W centre detail NNW

224 FTR 4 \ N facing section, W end detail NNW

225 FTR 4 \ N facing section, oblique NW

226 FTR 4 \ N facing section, oblique NW

227 FTR 4 \ N facing section, centre NE

228 FTR 4 \ N facing section, centre NE

229 FTR 4 037 E facing section of pit E

230 FTR 4 037 Post-ex of pit E

231 FTR 1 \ NW facing section, S end of bank NW


39

232 FTR 1 \ Detail of central section NW

233 FTR 1 \ Detail of right section NW

234 FTR 1 \ Detail of left section NW

235 FTR 1 \ Oblique section W

236 FTR 2 \ S facing section, W end S

237 FTR 2 \ S facing section, W central S

238 FTR 2 \ S facing section, E central S

239 FTR 2 \ S facing section, E end S

240 FTR 2 009, 033 S facing section, where 009 & 033 meet S

241 FTR 2 009, 033 S facing section, where 009 & 033 meet S

242 FTR 2 \ S facing section, W half S

243 FTR 2 \ S facing section, E half S

244 FTR 2 \ S facing section S

245 FTR 2 \ S facing section S

246 FTR 4 \ Post-ex, NW Quadrant NE

247 FTR 4 \ Post-ex, NW Quadrant NW

248 FTR 1 \ Post-ex, S end of stone bank SE

249 FTR 1 \ Post-ex, S end of stone bank ENE

250 FTR 4 060 Pre-ex of possible pit N

251 FTR 4 060 SSW facing section SSW

252 FTR 3N \ Post-ex of slot through cairn SW

253 FTR 3N \ Mid-ex of poss pit - Natural SE

254 FTR 3N \ NW facing section - Natural NW

255 FTR 2 \ Working shot SE

256 FTR 2 \ Possible features in NE quadrant SSE

257 FTR 2 \ Working shot, tree stumps SE

258 FTR 2 \ Working shot, NE quadrant SE

259 FTR 2 \ E facing section, NE quadrant, S end E

260 FTR 2 \ E facing section, NE quadrant, N end E

261 FTR 2 \ E facing section, NE quadrant, complete section E

262 FTR 4 \ SW quadrant, W facing section, S end W

263 FTR 4 \ SW quadrant, W facing section, centre W

264 FTR 4 \ SW quadrant, W facing section, oblique SW

265 FTR 4 \ SW quadrant, W facing section, oblique SSW

266 FTR 4 \ SW quadrant, W facing section, oblique NNW

267 FTR 4 \ SW quadrant, post-ex WNW

268 FTR 4 \ SW quadrant, post-ex SW

269 FTR 4 024, 025, 070 Mid-ex of pit [025] and pre-ex of pit [070] S

270 FTR 4 069, 070 NNE facing section NNE

271 FTR 2 \ Mid-ex of NE quadrant, bank removed, possible features E

272 FTR 2 \ Mid-ex of NE quadrant, bank removed, possible features SE

273 FTR 2 \ Mid-ex of NE quadrant, bank removed, possible features N

274 FTR 2 \ Pre-ex of three possible features in NE quadrant E

275 FTR 2 \ Possible feature under tree-stump in NE quadrant SE

276 FTR 2 \ Possible posthole, NE quadrant N

277 FTR 2 \ Possible features in NE quadrant W

278 FTR 2 \ Possibly scorched subsoil in NE quadrant W

279 FTR 4 \ Mid-ex shot, SW quadrant E

280 FTR 4 \ Mid-ex shot, SW quadrant N

281 FTR 4 070 Post-ex of pit NNE

282 FTR 2 010 Post-ex of entranceway, with stones (034) SSE

283 FTR 2 010 Post-ex of entranceway, with stones (034) SSE

284 FTR 2 010 Post-ex of entranceway SSE

285 FTR 4 072 W facing section W

286 FTR 4 071 Pre-ex of rectangular feature E

287 FTR 4 071 Pre-ex of rectangular feature E

288 FTR 4 075 Pre-ex of possible pebble surface NNW

289 FTR 4 075 Pre-ex of possible pebble surface NNW

290 FTR 4 \ SE quadrant, post-ex NW


40

291 FTR 4 \ SE quadrant, post-ex W

292 FTR 4 077 Pre-ex of pit W

293 FTR 4 077 E facing section of pit E

294 FTR 4 078, 071 SE facing section ESE

295 FTR 4 072, 073 W facing section W

296 FTR 4 077 Post-ex of (077) W

297 FTR 4 078 Post-ex of pit [078] W

298 FTR 4 072 Post-ex of pit [072] WNW

299 FTR 4 \ Post-ex of FTR 4 SE quad NW

300 FTR 4 \ Post-ex of FTR 4 SE quad NNW

301 FTR 4 \ Post-ex of FTR 4 SE quad N

302 FTR 4 \ Post-ex of FTR 4 SE quad S

303 FTR 4 \ Post-ex of FTR 4 SE quad E

304 FTR 2 038 Post-ex NW quadrant, showing (038) SE

305 FTR 2 038 Post-ex NW quadrant, showing (038) NW

306 FTR 2 079 Mid-ex of charcoal-rich spread in centre of FTR 2 S

307 FTR 2 080 Pre-ex of (080) NE

308 FTR 2 081 Mid-ex of (081) silty spread NNW

309 FTR 2 080, 085, 087 S. Facing section of posthole [085] S

310 FTR 2 082, 083, 084 SE facing section of posthole [084] SE

311 FTR 2 080, 088 post-ex of posthole [084] SE

312 FTR 2 084 post-ex of posthole [084] S

313 FTR 2 085 post-ex of posthole [085] S


41

Table 4: Samples

Sample No

Context No

% of deposit

Vol (l)

No/Size Bag/Bucket

Reason for Sampling Application/Comments

Pot Lithic Bone Botanics

1 004 5% 10 1 large bk X Float



4 012 10% 10 1 large bk X X Float






10 009 5% 10 1 large bk X X X X Float






16 038 75% 5 1 large bk X Float - Charcoal












28 062 10% 10 1 large bk X Float - Charcoal


















46 074 50% 5 1 large bk X X Float - Charcoal

47 038 <5% 2.5 1 large bk X Float, charcoal - E 142.64; N 103.47

48 038 <5% 2.5 1 large bk X Float , charcoal - E 143.92; N 104.90

49 079 30% 10 1 large bk X X Charcoal rich spread in centre of feature 2

50 -- -- -- -- VOID

51 081 95% 6 1 large bk x Float - charcoal

52 080 80% 10 1 large bk X Float - Charcoal; fill of large post-hole in centre of feature 2

53 083 75% 2 1 large bk Float - charcoal

54 086 50% 1 1 large bk X Float - charcoal

55 087 50% 1 1 large bk X Float - charcoal


42

Table 5: Finds

Find No. Context No. Area No. of Pieces

Material Type Description

1 001 FTR 4 1 Lithic Flint Possible core

2 001 FTR 4 1 Lithic Flint Thumb scraper

3 007 FTR 2 7 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds, prehistoric

4 009 FTR 2 12 Ceramic ? Possible pot wasters


6 040 FTR 2 1 Stone Tool Possible hammer-stone

7 045 FTR 4 2 Bone Burnt Possible burnt bone fragments, very fragile


9 035 FTR 4 4 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd and fragments

10 045 FTR 4 1 Metal Cu. Fragment of pin/needle?





15 005 FTR 3N Ceramic Pottery Large body sherd, damaged during excavation

16 008 FTR 2 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd, prehistoric





21 \ \ 1 Flint Flake Flint flake

22 073 FTR 4 1 Ceramic Pottery


24 071 FTR 4 6 Clay Burnt daub? bulbous fragments


43

Appendix 2: Project Design

1. Introduction

1.1

This document sets out a scheme to effect an archaeological excavation ahead of the proposed development

of an access track to a new substation facility at Wester Balblair, near Beauly, Highland. The document

establishes actions and products required to achieve Stage 3 of a potentially four-stage process. Stages 1 & 2

(archaeological desk-based assessment including walkover survey and archaeological evaluation) have already

taken place and appropriate reports have been compiled (Becket 2010a & b). Stage 4 may be defined as the

further analysis of any materials recovered during the Stage 3 field work, the preparation of a final report,

suitable for publication, and the archiving of all materials, on all works (Stages 1 - 4), which together at the

completion of that process will be deemed to constitute preservation by record of archaeological resources, in

line with Scottish Planning Policy.

1.2

Archaeological investigations at the site of Beauly Substation, Highland were commissioned by Scottish &

Southern Energy plc (hereafter ‘the developer’), in order to evaluate the land for the presence of

archaeological remains ahead of intrusive ground works associated with the development of the site. During

the course of evaluation works in September 2010, a number of known archaeological features were

investigated in the area of Balblair Wood, and were confirmed to be archaeologically significant. As the

destruction of these features will be necessary in order to allow the construction of the new substation access

road, the developer now requires to undertake a further programme of archaeological works to achieve the

full preservation by record of these features and any other significant surviving associated evidence which lies

in their immediate vicinity within the area proposed for development.

1.3

This programme can be divided into two phases: the first involves an archaeological excavation (Stage 3) to

identify, excavate and record any further significant archaeological deposits surviving within the site prior to

the main construction programme commencing, the second involves any necessary archaeological post-

excavation work (Stage 4) required to fully understand evidence recovered and bring the results of the work to

publication, thereby achieving preservation by record, in line with Scottish Planning Policy. The Stage 3

programme is set out below in detail, whilst the Stage 4 programme would be defined within a separate Post

Excavation Research Design (PERD) following the completion of Stage 3 fieldwork.

2. Background

2.1 Site Location

The proposed development site comprises an area of relatively flat ground on the margins 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 5049 8447.

2.2

A total of seven archaeologically sensitive sites were identified during the evaluation to the west of Beauly

Substation in September 2010 (Becket 2010b). The proposed mitigation for two of these sites, a relict


44

trackway and a bank/dyke, is for an archaeological watching brief to be conducted during the development of

the area where there was any ground-breaking work in the vicinity of these two features. A separate project

design for archaeological mitigation of these sites would be prepared and submitted in that event. The

remaining five archaeologically sensitive 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

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 during the preparation of the archaeological element

of the Environmental Assessment (2007). 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.

3. Aims & Objectives

3.1

The excavation will seek to establish the full extent, character and significance of the archaeological features

and deposits present in the area of the proposed development, with especial reference to the five known

features.

4. Methodology

4.1

The archaeological works will consist of the opening of an area of approximately 1128 m² over and around the

previously identified archaeological features (Figure 1, Sites 1, 2, 3N, 3S & 4). The trench layout has been

designed to include all of the features as well as intermediate areas between the features which were

inaccessible during evaluation. Further trench extensions may be required should archaeological features

continue outside the suggested main excavation area. Any such extensions would require to be agreed with

the developer and the local authority prior to excavation.

4.2

Excavations will require the controlled removal of topsoil and any other overburden deposits, using

archaeologically directed heavy machinery, followed by the cleaning and recording by hand, by the team of

archaeologists, of the exposed area. Investigation following the opening of the trenches and removal by

machine of topsoil and overburden will be undertaken using hand tools.

4.3

All significant archaeological features discovered will be 100% cleaned. Extant upstanding features will be

excavated initially by section/quadrant (as appropriate) and full excavation will be undertaken except where it

becomes clear during the course of the initial excavations that this is not appropriate (e.g. the discovery of

dating evidence demonstrating the modern character of a feature). Sampling will involve routine recovery of

up to 10 L bulk samples from all archaeologically significant features. Where fills of archaeologically significant


45

features are particularly rich (i.e. containing artefactual or archaeobotanical remains) the entire fill will be

recovered as a bulk sample, except in the case of very large or long linear features, such as boundary ditches.

Monolith or kubiena samples will be taken through suitable features/deposits and any other features which

potentially have complex depositional histories.

4.4

Recording will be by means of written descriptions, scale drawings and photographs, together with a survey of

the trench location using sub-centimetre DGPS. Site plans will be made at 1:20 and sections and detail plans at

1:10.

4.5

Topsoil and spoil from the excavations will be stored by the side of the trench. 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.

4.6

Should significant archaeological remains be identified during the excavation fieldwork (Stage 3), Stage 4 will

involve appropriate post-excavation analyses, reporting and publication of the excavated and recorded

archaeological remains. Further details of Stage 4 of the work programme cannot be developed until such

time as the Stage 3 work has taken place. The detailed methodology to be employed during Stage 4 post

excavation analysis and publication will be specified in an addendum to this document, to be called a post-

excavation research design. This addendum will be taken to amend and update this project design. It will be

submitted by the developer for the agreement of the Highland Council Archaeology Service prior to the

commencement of any archaeological work specified in the addendum document.

4.7

In the event of the discovery of human remains during the excavation, the local police will be notified

immediately and thereafter prescribed procedure for their treatment will be followed in accordance with Scots

Law.

4.8

The Highland Council Archaeology Service and the developer, or the developer’s designated agent, will be

notified 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.

4.9

The archaeological project manager will be the first point of contact for any project-related liaison with the

Highland Council Archaeology Unit and the developer or the developer’s agent for all formal logistical,

administrative and financial issues related to the excavation. It will be important to ensure that all formal

communication, 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 on-site team), to ensure organisational, administrative and financial efficiency.

4.10


46

Any site visitors will also be required to conform to the health and safety regime in place during the fieldwork

programme.

5. Programme

It is estimated that the full excavation of the area will require a six-week programme of fieldwork. A

breakdown of the programme tasks is provided as a guide in Figure 2 (see further below). Highland Council

Archaeology Service will be notified at least two weeks in advance of fieldwork commencing.

Earliest Start Date: 11 June 2012

Hours of Work: 0900-1730

6. Staffing and Plant

Project Manager Alan Leslie (telephone 07712113683)

Project Director Alastair Becket (telephone: 07432694182)

Site Director Edouard Masson-Maclean (telephone: 07432694174)

Site Supervisor TBC

Site Assistants TBC

Plant Mini-excavator

Plant operator Driver of the mini-excavator (TBC)

A total of six experienced archaeologists, including the site director and a site supervisor, 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

The excavation (Stage 3) results will be presented in the form of a data structure report. The generation of this

document will allow determination of whether or not there is a requirement for further archaeological work

arising from the excavation fieldwork and it is at that stage that a Stage 4 post excavation research design will

require to be prepared.

7.2

The data structure report will be prepared to the standards for such documents as defined by Historic

Scotland, in their “Project Design, Implementation and Archiving” document (Historic Scotland Archaeological

Procedure Paper 2, 1996). The reports will provide “a structure or organisation to the primary records” of the

fieldwork”. 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.” The report will outline the main results of

the evaluation fieldwork and incorporate lists of all features, finds, samples, photographs and drawings. It will

be produced as a desk-top published document and disseminated in hard copy and digital formats.


47

7.3

A short report detailing the results will also be submitted for publication in Discovery and Excavation in

Scotland and recorded and reported via the online OASIS Form.

7.4

Copies of the excavation report will be provided to the developer, to the Highland Council Archaeology Unit

and to the National Monuments Record for Scotland. Further copies can be distributed to other recipients if

requested and specified.

7.5

The project archive will be prepared and made 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.

7.6

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 at Pearce Street, 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.

7.7

All artefacts will be stored temporarily 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.

7.8

In the event that unallocated finds recovered from the site require to be removed from Scotland, for the

purposes of post-excavation analysis, there is a legal requirement 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. Receipt of this signed consent form will be required before items may be

removed from the country.

7.9

The results of the excavation may lead to a requirement for further post-excavation analysis and publication of

results (Stage 4), in order to fully comply with the planning condition. A further document, a post-excavation

research design, specifying that work will require to be prepared and approved in advance of implementation

by the Highland Council Archaeology Service. A post-excavation strategy, including timescales and cost


48

implications can only be prepared following the completion of all archaeological field work (i.e. Stage 3 work as

specified in this document).

8. Archiving / Finds Deposition

The resulting site archive will be deposited with the NMRS following the completion of all work (Stages 1 - 4).

Any small finds recovered will be submitted to the Treasure Trove Unit in accordance with Scot’s Law. In the

event that human remains are recovered, the client and police will be notified and work will be suspended

until all parties are agreed on how to proceed. Should human remains be demonstrably prehistoric, it is

unlikely that any delay would be significant.

9. Health and Safety

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 and method statement will be prepared and

submitted to the client prior to fieldwork commencing.

10. Welfare Arrangements

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.

11. Access Arrangements

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

McCleod. A 4x4 vehicle will be required for access.

12. Bibliography

Becket, A 2010a Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Transmission Line – Beauly Substation, Phase 1 Evaluation,

GUARD Project 3070, Unpublished Data Structure Report.

Becket, A 2010b Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Transmission Line – Beauly Substation, Phase 2 Evaluation,

GUARD Project 3070, Unpublished Data Structure Report.

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. Unpublished

survey report.


49

Appendix 4: DES

LOCAL AUTHORITY: Highland

PROJECT TITLE/SITE NAME: Beauly Substation, Balblair Wood

PROJECT CODE: 4004161

PARISH: Balblair

NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR: Alastair Becket

NAME OF ORGANISATION: Northlight Heritage

TYPE(S) OF PROJECT: Archaeological Excavation

NMRS NO(S): None

SITE/MONUMENT TYPE(S): Prehistoric cairns and banks

SIGNIFICANT FINDS:

NGR (2 letters, 8 or 10 figures) NGR: NH 5043 4464

START DATE (this season) 18 June 2013

END DATE (this season) 9 August 2013

PREVIOUS WORK (incl. DES ref.) Archaeological Evaluation, 2010

MAIN (NARRATIVE)

DESCRIPTION:

(May include information from

other fields)

An archaeological excavation was undertaken ahead of the proposed

development of an access road to a new substation facility at Wester Balblair,

near Beauly, Highland. The proposed route of the access road passes through

Balblair Woods, which is known to contain a large number of possible

prehistoric features, primarily hut-circles and cairns. The work was conducted

by Northlight Heritage between 18 June and 9 August 2012.

Five features which had been previously identified by survey and investigated

through evaluation were excavated, although one of these, a putative cairn,

was found to be a natural mound. The four remaining features comprised; a

low dyke or bank, a small round cairn, a large amorphous cairn, and a sub-oval

enclosure defined by a stone and turf bank. Artefacts recovered during the

excavation of these features, and several associated pits, included a fragment

of a possible copper alloy pin, prehistoric pottery and struck lithics. An

additional phase of work, conducted in July 2013, identified and recorded a

low stone bank during the construction of an access track.

PROPOSED FUTURE WORK: Post-excavation analysis and publication

CAPTION(S) FOR ILLUSTRS:

SPONSOR OR FUNDING BODY: Scottish and Southern Energy Ltd.

ADDRESS OF MAIN

CONTRIBUTOR:

Northlight Heritage

Studio 406,

South Block,

64 Osborne Street,

Glasgow G1 5QT

EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]

ARCHIVE LOCATION

(intended/deposited)

National Monuments Record for Scotland (intended)

mailto:[email protected]

northlight heritage beauly substation report: 21 ... · 2 location, geology and topography 5 3...

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