NORTHLIGHT HERITAGE Archaeological Evaluation PROJECT ID: … · Illustrations by: Charlotte...

NORTHLIGHT HERITAGE

REPORT: 29

PROJECT ID: 4004161

DATA STRUCTURE REPORT

Western Isles Converter Station

Archaeological Evaluation

Balblair Woods, Beauly, Highland

Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161 | Report: 29 | 23 August 2012

Northlight Heritage

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

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

email: [email protected]

Western Isles Converter Station

Balblair Woods, Beauly, Highland

NGR: NH 5050 4470

Data Structure Report

on behalf of

SHETL

Cover Plate: Evaluation trenches in Balblair Wood

Report by: Alastair Becket

Illustrations by: Charlotte Francoz and Alastair Becket

Edited by: Alan Leslie

Director: Alastair Becket

Project Management: Alan Leslie

Evaluation Supervisor: Jem Heinemeier

Evaluation Surveyor: Charlotte Francoz

Evaluation Team:

Andrew Gallacher, Anthony Russell & Aoife Gould

Approved by: Alan Leslie

Date: 23/08/2012

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 6

4 Summary Objectives 6

5 Methodology 7

6 Results 9

7 Discussion 12

8 Recommendations 12

9 List of Sources 13

10 Appendices 14

Appendix 1: tables / concordances 14

Appendix 2: WSI 18

Appendix 3: DES 31

FIGURES

1 Site location 4

2 Evaluation trenches and known archaeology 8

3 SW facing section across linear bank (FTR 6a) 10

PLATES

1 Small cairn at eastern end of the evaluation area (FTR 5) 9

2 Trench 17 (FTR 7), viewed from NE 10

3 Trench 16 (FTR 8), viewed from NE 10

4 Detail of cobble bank on N edge of possible hut circle (FTR 9) 11

TABLES

1 Trench Information 14

2 Drawings 15

3 Photographs 16


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Figure 1: Site Location

Northlight Heritage | Project:4004161| Report: 29 | 23 August 2012

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Abstract

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken at Balblair Wood, near Beauly, Highland, on the site of a proposed

converter station, as part of SHETL Western Isles Connection programme. The work was conducted by

Northlight Heritage between 19 and 26 June 2012.

Six features, previously identified through survey, were investigated through trial trenching. The features

appear to be broadly similar to other nearby cairn and possible hut-circle features elsewhere in Balblair Wood.

No direct dating evidence for the features was recovered during the evaluation, although it is likely (based upon

their morphology, construction and proximity to known prehistoric features) that they represent some form of

prehistoric occupation of the site. Trenches were also opened elsewhere in the evaluation area, often in areas

between and around the known features, and no further archaeological remains were encountered.

1. Introduction

1.1

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

behalf of SHETL between 19 and 26 June 2012. 24 trenches, a total of 1075.2 m², were opened within the

proposed development area meaning that just over 10% of the total area was evaluated. Part of the site was

inaccessible for evaluation due to ecological constraints and another area was too steep to evaluate safely

(Figure 1).

2. Location, Geology and Topography

2.1

The proposed development site comprises an area of woodland at the eastern end of Balblair Wood, west of

the existing Wester Balblair Substation, south of the A831 and north of Balblair Sand and Gravel Quarry at NGR:

NH 5050 4470. As the eastern end of the converter station area had been previously evaluated as part of the

mitigation works for the Beauly to Denny 400kv Overhead Transmission Line project (Becket 2010), only the

western end of the proposed Western Isles Converter Station site required archaeological evaluation (Figure 1).

2.2

The topography within the evaluation area was varied, featuring several slopes and undulations most of which

appeared natural in origin, relating to the superficial geology. The area had been relatively sparsely planted

with Scots Pine and was also covered with thick bracken and shrub trees. The underlying drift geology

consisted of river terrace deposits whilst the underlying bedrock was Ousdale Arkose Formation.


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3. Archaeological and Historical Context

3.1

A total of six archaeologically sensitive sites were known to be upstanding within the development area; four

possible hut circles (Features FTR 5, 7, 8 & 9) and two low banks (FTR 6a & 6b) (Figure 2). These sites lie within

Balblair Wood and potentially represent part of a much broader and more complex prehistoric landscape, which

appears to extend through the woodland to the east and west of the evaluation area.

3.2

Balblair Wood has been the subject of several episodes of archaeological work in the past, including surveys in

1999 (Neighbour, 1999), 2002 (NOSAS, 2002) and 2005, the latter during the preparation of the archaeological

element of the Environmental Assessment for the Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Transmission Line project

(published 2007). Subsequent evaluation and excavation has also taken place at the eastern end of Balblair

Wood as part of the new Beauly Substation Development (encompassing the access road and eastern side of

the proposed converter station). All of these recent archaeological surveys and investigations have identified

substantial numbers of features within Balblair Wood, and the quantity of potential settlement components

suggests the preservation of evidence for human occupation and exploitation of what was clearly an important

prehistoric landscape. The nearby excavation of a Neolithic/Bronze Age burial (Hanley & Sheridan, 1994) to the

south of the proposed development area, in what is now Balblair Quarry, and the presence of a Bronze Age

burial cairn, with associated rock art, in the woods to the west (Dutton et al, 2007), demonstrates that this

landscape is also particularly rich in prehistoric funerary monuments.

4. Summary Objectives

The project objectives were:

to identify the location, nature and extent of features or objects of archaeological significance, both

known and hitherto unrecorded, that had the potential to be damaged or destroyed by the

development;

to record through measured survey, all known and hitherto unrecorded features of archaeological

significance within the areas due to be disturbed as a consequence of the proposed development;

to ensure, through their clear demarcation in the field, the avoidance of impacts by the

development on any archaeology outwith but close to the areas proposed for development;

to evaluate the previously undisturbed areas proposed for development, including the known sites

within those areas where direct impacts had been identified as likely, leading to proposals and

arrangements for either their preservation in situ wherever this can be achieved or their

preservation by record (through excavation) where they cannot be protected within the

development;

where necessary, to ensure the preservation by record of all significant archaeological remains

which will be destroyed by the proposed development, either through pre-planned set piece

excavation, or as part of an archaeological watching brief, or both;

to ensure that the needs for archaeological conservation and recording were met without causing

any unnecessary delay or disturbance to the development project.


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5. Methodology

5.1

To investigate the area, a total of twenty-four trenches were opened (Figure 2), amounting to c. 1075.2 m² in

total, representing a c 10% evaluation of the total proposed construction area.

5.2

The trenches were located in order to achieve broad coverage of the proposed development area, but also

sought to target any particularly likely areas where evidence of past human activity may survive, based on a

reading of the local terrain, vegetation cover and known archaeological sites, while taking into account

constraints imposed by topographic and other considerations. Three areas were unavailable for evaluation.

The southernmost of these lay outside the woods within the existing quarry boundary and was not evaluated

because any archaeologically significant features which might have been present would have been destroyed by

quarrying. To the north an area beneath overhead power-lines was avoided because of ecological constraints

that had been put in place to protect badger setts, and in the northernmost part of the proposed development

area, the sloping ground was assessed to be too steep to evaluate safely. Four trenches (T13, 14, 15 & 18) were

located just outside the proposed development area to the west to investigate a flat piece of ground which

straddled the proposed development boundary and to ensure that the 10% evaluation area was still reached

despite the un-evaluated areas described above.

5.3

Trenches were opened using a tracked mechanical excavator operating under the instruction and constant

supervision of the archaeological team. The mechanical excavator removed the topsoil to the level of the

natural subsoil or the first archaeological horizon, whichever was encountered first. The mechanical excavator

was fitted with a 1.6 m wide flat-bladed ditching bucket during all trench opening operations. Areas of potential

archaeological interest within each trench were cleaned by hand and features and deposits were recorded but

not excavated, except for two features (linear banks 6a & 6b) which were sectioned with bucket-width slots in

an attempt to determine their character, quality, date and complexity. Trenches and archaeological features,

deposits and artefacts were recorded in accordance with the detailed methodology presented within the WSI

(Appendix 2). No environmental bulk samples were taken during the course of the fieldwork.


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Figure 2: Evaluation trenches and known archaeology


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6. Results

6.1

Twenty-four evaluation trenches, each 1.6 m wide, were opened within the proposed development area (Figure

2). Eight features requiring further examination were identified in nine of the evaluation trenches, all of which

had been previously identified as upstanding features. No features or deposits of archaeological significance

were encountered in the remaining fifteen trenches. Details of the individual trenches are provided in

Appendix 1.

6.2

Topsoil was broadly consistent across the site, comprising a dark reddish-brown sand silt varying in depth from

0.05 m to 0.25 m. The general lack of topsoil was notable, and in many places vegetation grew on a very thin

layer of this material with roots bedded into the subsoil. The subsoil comprised a sand-and-gravel matrix, of

mostly orange-brown colour, set around rounded cobbles of mixed sized, consistent with river terrace deposits.

Plate 1: Small cairn at eastern end of the evaluation area (FTR 5)

6.3

Feature 5 (Plate 1), located at the eastern end of the evaluation area, was investigated with a single trench (T7).

The feature appears to comprise a pile of small- and-medium-sized cobbles, with a dark-brown silty sand matrix

around them. No artefacts or deposits were found within the trench, but the nature of the material and the

circular shape of the feature in plan suggest that it represents a cairn.


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Figure 3: SW facing section across linear bank (FTR 6a)

6.4

A linear bank (FTR 6a) which runs from NW to SE, was encountered in trenches T5 and T6 (Figure 2). The bank is

fairly well preserved and is composed of medium-to-large-sized cobbles in a matrix of silty sand (Figure 3). The

bank was up to 0.8 m high and extends for approximately 50 m as identified during previous survey work. A

second bank (FTR 6b) was less well-defined, although remains of the bank were visible in trenches T5 and T8.

This bank appears to have been constructed in the same way as bank FTR 6a but as encountered is lower (c.

0.3m) and, as a result, less visible on the surface.

Plate 2: Trench 17 (FTR 7), viewed from NE Plate 3: Trench 16 (FTR 8), viewed from NE

6.5

Evaluation trench T17 was located in order to investigate a possible hut circle (FTR 7). It appears that this

feature is in fact a broadly circular cairn, comprising cobbles within a thin matrix of silty sand (Plate 2). No other

deposits or distinguishing characteristics were identified within the evaluation trench. To the west of this,

however, trench T16 bisected the northern bank of another possible hut-circle (FTR 8). This feature is defined

by a roughly circular bank, 1.7 m wide and 0.3 m high, which comprises cobbles and silty sand (Plate 3). No


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other features or deposits were associated with these features.

6.6

A further possible hut circle (FTR 9) was located in the south-western corner of the proposed development

area. A trial trench (T19) demonstrated that the bank defining this feature was approximately 2.5 m wide and

comprised medium-sized cobbles in a matrix of mid-brown sandy silt. This feature appears very similar to

another large possible hut circle (FTR 2) which is under investigation within the Beauly Substation excavation

area at the time of writing.

Plate 4: Detail of cobble bank on N edge of possible hut-circle (FTR 9)

6.7

Trenches placed elsewhere within the proposed development area proved to be archaeologically sterile,

although deposits of cobbles were occasionally encountered. One such deposit was identified within trenches

T18 and T19, where cobbles lay along the side of a slight slope which formed a ‘dip’ in the topography. The

same ‘dip’ was encountered within trench T20 but in this instance no cobbles were present. The deposits of

cobbles appear to be natural in origin, distinguishable from the various cairns and banks due to their

morphology and lack of anthropogenic material. Similar natural deposits were encountered during the previous

evaluation to the east (Becket 2010).


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7. Discussion

7.1

The soils encountered during the evaluation, along with the topography and geology of the landscape around

Balblair Wood all suggest that the area was once quite different to how it appears today. Understanding this

landscape and the environmental conditions at the time the features were created and used will be important

to reach a full understanding the site as a whole.

7.2

No new archaeological features were identified during the evaluation, although all six previously known sites

are likely to be of prehistoric date and as such warrant further investigation. The areas between features, and

approximately the northern part of the site, appear to be archaeologically sterile, as no artefacts, deposits or

features were encountered.

7.3

Of the confirmed archaeologically sensitive sites it appears that two (FTR 8 & 9) may be hut circles, two (FTR 5 &

7) are cairns and two (FTR 6a & 6b) are linear banks. The similarity of these features to those within the Beauly

Substation area is notable and suggests that these features may all be contemporary, part of a wider landscape

of prehistoric cairns and structures which survives in Balblair Wood.

8. Recommendations

8.1

As archaeologically sensitive features have been demonstrated to survive within the development area it is

recommended that a phase of archaeological excavation is required (Stage 2 works as described within the WSI

– see Appendix 2). Avoidance of these features is impossible within the scope of the development works as

currently planned. A project design for excavation works will be produced by Northlight Heritage, detailing the

strategy for full excavation of the features and will be submitted for the approval of the Highland Council

Historic Environment Team (HET).

8.2

The Highland Council HET will be consulted in determining which sites require to be excavated and to what

extent, with particular reference to the results of the Beauly Substation excavation which is ongoing at the time

of writing. Set-piece excavation will also give rise to the need for the preparation and execution of a Stage 3

post-excavation programme in due course.


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9. List of Sources

Becket, A., 2010, Beauly Substation Archaeological Evaluation, GUARD unpublished technical report, Glasgow.

Dutton, A., Clapperton, K., & Carter, S., 2007, 'Rock art from a Bronze Age burial at Balblair, near Inverness’, in

Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 137, 117-136.

Hanley, R., & Sheridan, A., 1994, ‘A Beaker Cist from Balblair, near Beauly, Inverness District’, in Proceedings of

the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 124, 129-139.

Neighbour, T., 1999, Balblair Wood, Beauly, Archaeological Survey, CFA unpublished technical report 514.

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

Archaeology Unit unpublished survey report.

Map Sources

British Geological Survey, 1:50000, http://maps.bgs.ac.uk/geologyviewer (accessed 11/07/2012)


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10. Appendices

Appendix 1: tables / concordances

Table 1: Trench Information

Trench Dimensions

Topsoil Subsoil Notes Length Width Depth

1 42 1.6 0.2 Dark brown and grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.

Orange brown sandy silt with frequent rounded cobbles and root bioturbation.

No archaeology present


Orange brown sandy silt with frequent rounded cobbles, sometimes 'mounded into natural banks.










This trench crosses linear banks FTR 6a and 6b. Both crossed at an angle, so sections not truly representative, but both banks are comprised of medium-sized cobbles.



Crosses bank FTR 6a at 90 degrees. Bank is 4.5 m wide and comprises medium-to-large sized cobbles within a matrix of grey brown sandy silt (very topsoily).



Situated to investigate FTR 5, which appears to be a simple cairn comprising small-to-medium sized cobbles.



This trench crosses line of second linear bank FTR 6b, although not much sign of the bank at this location, just some cobbles in the area in a slight rise (0.3 m max).







11 24 1.6 0.2 Dark red/grey forest topsoil. Mostly roots and vegetation.

Orange and grey silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.

Possible bank, although most likely natural, running NE-SW for approximately 10 m (crosses T11 15.6 m from S end). Not very visible on surface, may relate to a slight change in natural topography.








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Orange and grey, and dark reddish brown at northern end of trench, silty sand with frequent stone inclusions.




FTR 8 at southern end of trench. Trench revealed a bank of small-med sized cobbles, 1.7 m wide and 0.3 m high, which forms the extent of this feature. No other archaeological deposits were identified. Possible hut circle?



FTR 7 at SSW end of trench. Appears to be a large circular cairn comprising med-large cobbles with a thin topsoily matrix.



Possible cobble bank/deposit (11 m from north end of trench), although most likely natural, appears to relate to a dip in natural topography.



FTR 9 at south end of the trench. Possible hut circle defined by a low bank (c. 2.5 m wide) comprising medium-sized cobbles in a matrix of mid-brown sandy silt (possibly denuded turf?) and topsoil material. Also within this trench is the same topographic dip with associated cobbles identified in trenches T18 and T20.



Same (although less steep) topographic dip identified in trenches T18 and T19, but no cobbles.





Dark reddish grey, very stony, sandy silt. Not as many cobbles as in other trenches.



Light to dark grey and orangey silty sand with frequent stone cobble inclusions. Some patches of gravel.



Light to dark grey and orangey silty sand with frequent stone cobble inclusions.



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Note: Concordance records for the evaluation provided below have been extracted from the broader Balblair Wood,

Beauly Substation Excavation data set (project 4004161).

Table 2: Drawings

Drawing No. Sheet No. Context Subject Scale

1 1 EVAL T6 SW facing section across FTR 6a 1:20

2 2 EVAL T7 Profile across stone mound/cairn (FTR 5) 1:20

Table 3: Photographs

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

21 EVAL T1 \ Post-ex NW

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

23 EVAL T2 \ Post-ex WSW


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

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



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


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

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


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Appendix 2: WSI

NORTHLIGHT HERITAGE

PROJECT ID: 4004161

Written Scheme of Investigation

Archaeological Mitigation

Beauly Converter Station

Highland


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Northlight Heritage

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

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

email: [email protected]

Beauly Converter Station

Beauly, Highland

NGR: NH 5050 4470

WSI for archaeological mitigation at Beauly Converter Station

Prepared for

Scottish and Southern Energy Ltd.

Prepared by: Alastair Becket

Director: Alastair Becket

Project Management: Alan Leslie

Approved by: Alan Leslie

Date: 19/06/2012

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



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Contents

1.0 Introduction

5

2.0 Background

5

3.0 Project Aims

6

4.0 Methodology

7

5.0 Programme

11

6.0 Staffing and Plant

12

7.0 Reporting

12

8.0 Health and Safety

14

9.0 Welfare Arrangements

14

10.0 Access Arrangements

14

11.0 Bibliography

14


21

FIG1

Figu

re 1


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1. Introduction

1.1

This document sets out a scheme to effect archaeological mitigation works associated with the proposed development

of the Beauly Converter Station site near Wester Balblair in Highland. The mitigation works have been designed in the

context of the conditions placed upon the granting of consent for the development (Scottish Government consent

(04/03/2011) – section SG8). The condition stipulates:

8 a) No development shall take place until the following has been submitted to and approved by the

Planning Authority: a programme of archaeological work for the preservation and recording of any

archaeological features affected by the proposed development.

8 b) The programme of archaeological work shall include a timetable for investigation and measures for

dealing with any undiscovered archaeology encountered during construction of the approved

development.

8 c) The programme of archaeological work approved in terms of this condition shall be implemented by

the developer in accordance with the approved timetable.

1.2

This document establishes actions and products required to achieve Stage 1 of a potentially three-stage process, all of

which may be required to fulfil the archaeological planning condition, Stage 2 being any further work, including

fieldwork arising from the archaeological evaluation which may be deemed necessary by the planning authority, such

as the development and implementation of a mitigation strategy to deal with any significant archaeology identified or

recovered during the evaluation work, and Stage 3 being the further analysis of any materials recovered during the

field work in either or both Stages 1 and 2 and/or the preparation of a final report on all works constituting

preservation by record for publication, as appropriate.

2. Background

2.1 Site Location

The proposed development site comprises an area of relatively flat ground at the eastern end of Balblair Wood, west

of the existing Wester Balblair Substation, south of the A831 and north of Balblair Sand and Gravel Quarry at c NGR:

NH 5050 4470. As the eastern end of the converter station area has been previously evaluated as part of the

mitigation works for the Beauly to Denny 400kv Overhead Transmission Line project (Becket 2010), it is proposed that

only the western end of the Western Isles Converter Station requires archaeological evaluation (Figure 1). This

previously un-evaluated area totals 10700 m².

2.2

A total of six archaeologically sensitive sites are known to be upstanding within the development area; four possible

hut-circles (Sites 005, 007, 008 & 009) and two low banks (Sites 006a & b) (Figure 1). These sites lie within Balblair

Wood and potentially represent part of a much broader and more complex prehistoric landscape, much of which

appears to survive within the woodland.

2.3


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Balblair Wood has been the subject of several episodes of archaeological work in the past, including surveys in 1999

(Neighbour, 1999), 2002 (NOSAS, 2002), 2005 during the preparation of the archaeological element of the

Environmental Assessment for the Beauly to Denny 400kv Overhead Transmission Line project (2007), and subsequent

evaluation of the eastern end of Balblair Wood as part of the new Beauly Substation Development (encompassing the

access road and eastern side of the proposed converter station). All of these recent archaeological surveys have

identified substantial numbers of features within Balblair Wood, and the volume of potential features suggests the

preservation of an important prehistoric landscape. The nearby excavation of a Neolithic/Bronze Age burial (Hanley &

Sheridan, 1994) to the south of the proposed development area, in what is now Balblair Quarry, and the presence of a

Bronze Age burial cairn, with associated rock art, in the woods to the west (Dutton et al, 2007), demonstrates that this

landscape is particularly rich in prehistoric funerary monuments.

2.4

The proposed work will take place during a phase of excavation that will be carried out within the Beauly Substation

area as part of the 400kv Beauly to Denny Overhead Transmission Line scheme. The results of this excavation work will

likely influence the archaeological mitigation strategy developed following Stage 1 evaluation works within the

converter station.

3. Project Aims

The project objectives are:

to identify the location, nature and extent of features or objects of archaeological significance, both known

and hitherto unrecorded, that have the potential to be damaged or destroyed by the development;

to record through measured survey, all known and hitherto unrecorded features of archaeological

significance within the areas due to be disturbed as a consequence of the proposed development;

to ensure, through their clear demarcation in the field, the avoidance of impacts by the development on

any archaeology outwith but close to the areas proposed for development;

to evaluate the previously undisturbed areas proposed for development, including the known sites within

those areas where direct impacts have been identified as likely, leading to proposals and arrangements for

either their preservation in situ wherever this can be achieved or their preservation by record (through

excavation) where they cannot be protected within the development. These arrangements will require to

be agreed in advance of any on-site construction work commencing with Highland Council;

where necessary, to ensure the preservation by record of all significant archaeological remains which will

be destroyed by the proposed development, either through pre-planned set piece excavation or as part of a

watching brief;

to make sure that the needs for archaeological conservation and recording are met without causing any

unnecessary delay or disturbance to the development project.

4. Methodology

Evaluation

4.1

The archaeological evaluation works will consist of the opening of an area of approximately 1070 m², 10% of the total

development area which has not previously been evaluated, over and around the previously identified archaeological

features (Figure 1). The evaluation will comprise a series of trial trenches and will include assessment of all six known

archaeological features (Figure 1) in order to attempt to determine their date, character and full extent. The


24

evaluation will also be designed to target any specific locations deemed likely to contain remains of past human

activity based on a reading of the local terrain, vegetation cover and relationship to known archaeological sites, while

taking into account practical and logistical constraints imposed by the topography, existing services and other

considerations. As a consequence, the specific dimensions, orientation and number of trenches employed will not be

determined until the fieldwork begins but the team will take the suggested trench plan as a starting point (Figure 1:

trenches are not to scale and are shown only to give a sense of some likely locations). The capacity to adapt any such

plan to allow the extension of some trenches and reduction of others in reaction to discoveries in the field will remain

an important option for the duration of the evaluation fieldwork.

4.2

As a general rule, and in the absence of any other factors determining where trenches should be located, the trenches

will be evenly distributed across the areas to be targeted within the proposed development site, though trench density

and/or size is likely to be increased in specific target areas where the archaeological potential appears, from the results

of field inspection, to be higher than average. No extensive area within the available land, even those perceived to

have only moderate or low archaeological potential, will be left completely unexamined, unless there are

demonstrable logistical or safety reasons which preclude their investigation.

4.3

Trenches will be opened using a mechanical excavator operating under the instruction and constant supervision of a

suitably qualified archaeologist. The mechanical excavator will remove the topsoil and any other modern made-

ground deposits to the level of the natural subsoil or the first significant archaeological horizon, whichever is

encountered first. The mechanical excavator will be fitted with a flat-bladed ditching bucket during all trench opening

operations.

4.4

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

reverse order to which the materials were removed i.e. subsoil replaced first with turves replaced last with the

vegetation side up. Watering of turves may be required if trenches are left open for long periods. Mammal ladders are

required for excavations left overnight. Any areas which require to be excavated to a depth greater than 1.2 m, or

potentially shallower in the event of unstable deposits, will be stepped or battered as required for safety reasons.

4.5

Areas of potential archaeological interest within each trench will be cleaned by hand. Should archaeological remains

be encountered during trial trenching operations, features and deposits will be recorded but not excavated, except

insofar as excavation is necessary to determine the character, extent, quality, date and complexity of the

features/deposits present. In cases where potentially highly significant archaeological features/deposits appear to fall

largely outwith the limits of any evaluation trench, where feasible trenches will be extended in an attempt to define

fully the extent and character of the archaeology present. All discoveries of significant archaeology will be reported by

the site director to the project manager immediately. The manager will in turn inform the Highland Council Historic

Environment Team (hereafter HET) and the developer, in order to allow any necessary discussion and planning for

appropriate actions arising to take place.


25

4.6

The written record of all archaeological features, deposits and finds will be by means of conventional pro forma sheets.

Scaled hand-drawn plans will also be made at 1:20 and sections at 1:10. Digital record photographs will also be taken.

By the end of the mitigation fieldwork the locations and dimensions of all trenches will be recorded in such a way as to

tie them to the OS grid.

4.7

If new features of archaeological significance are found within the development area, and a suitable strategy to ensure

their preservation in situ cannot be designed, then further phases of work to mitigate the archaeologically adverse

effects of the development may be required to fully comply with the terms of the planning condition. The need for

implementation of further stages of archaeological work will be determined in consultation with HET. It may be

possible to avoid any archaeological remains discovered during the evaluation phase of work. If this is not possible,

any additional phase or phases of work required by the HET, potentially incorporating full excavation, would be

designed in a supplementary document or documents.

4.8

Should significant archaeological remains be identified during the mitigation fieldwork (which may be termed Stage 1),

Stage 2 will involve the implementation of appropriate archaeological mitigation measures, which may consist of

further evaluation and/or excavation and recording of features that will be destroyed by development works, or

watching brief activity, or a combination of the above. Stage 3 will include suitable post-excavation analysis, reporting,

and publication of discovered archaeological remains, if appropriate. Further details of Stages 2 and 3 of the work

programme cannot be developed until such time as the Stage 1 evaluation has taken place.

4.9

This document details the methodology to be employed in implementing the Stage 1 mitigation works. The detailed

methodology to be employed during any Stage 2 mitigation works and Stage 3 post excavation analysis and

publication, would if required be specified in addenda to this document, to be called project designs for any proposed

fieldwork at Stage 2, and post- excavation research designs for work required at Stage 3. These addenda, if required,

will be submitted by the developer or developer’s archaeological contractor for the agreement of The Highland Council

prior to the commencement of any archaeological work, which may be specified in the addenda documents. In the

case of addenda relating to Stage 2 works (project designs), these will be implemented in full before any development

work proceeds in any relevant development phase. The HET are unlikely to advise The Highland Council to discharge

the planning condition which requires the programme of archaeological work, until such time as it is satisfied that all

stages of archaeological fieldwork have been completed (in the cases of Stages 1 and 2), or secured by contract (in the

case of Stage 3).

Excavation

4.10

Set-piece excavations will be conducted on any of the known sites identified as likely to be directly impacted by the

proposed development, and any further sites of archaeological significance discovered during the evaluation, where a)

these sites have been confirmed to be of archaeological significance by the evaluation or their significance remains

unclear; and b) means to ensure their avoidance by the development allowing their preservation in situ to be secured

have not been devised. The HET will be consulted in determining which sites will require to be excavated and to what

extent. Any such excavation work will constitute Stage 2 mitigation works and in each case where preservation by


26

record is required, a site/feature/area-specific excavation project design, serving as an addendum to this document,

will be produced for the prior approval of the HET. Set piece excavation will also give rise to the need for the

preparation and execution of Stage 3 post-excavation programmes.

Watching Brief

4.11

Construction work involving ground disturbance in areas where the potential for surviving archaeological remains

continues to exist will be the subject of archaeological monitoring, to allow, where necessary and appropriate,

identification of any surviving archaeological remains and either their preservation in situ (through micro-siting of the

proposed constructional element), where achievable, or, where not, preservation through record by means of

excavation and recording of any archaeological remains present. The methodology for the archaeological monitoring

will be as follows:

All instances of ground disturbance in those areas requiring an archaeological watching brief will be

monitored by an archaeologist or archaeologists;

The number of archaeologists required during watching brief activity will be dependent on the number and

size of instances of ground disturbance and the number of machines and/or main contractor staff

employed during the operations;

Machines used should wherever feasible be fitted with a flat-bladed ditching bucket for so long as the

archaeological watching brief is required (i.e. to the point where natural subsoil has been reached and all

anthropogenic deposits above or cut into the natural subsoil have been removed), except where the nature

of the construction works being undertaken specifically requires some other accoutrement;

Suitable down time will be provided to the on-site archaeologist(s) in order to allow the full recovery of any

archaeological evidence encountered. Should individual or small groups of ephemeral archaeological

features be encountered during the phase of archaeological monitoring, they will be investigated

immediately on their discovery by the on-site archaeologist(s). The archaeologist(s) will record them,

determine which if any require full excavation and then excavate accordingly. Recording media will include

pro forma sheets, drawings and photographs. In these circumstances, machine downtime will not exceed

four hours maximum. In the event of the discovery of complex or highly significant archaeological remains,

the area in question will be temporarily marked off while a decision is reached between the appointed on

site archaeologist, the HET and the developer regarding the most appropriate means of dealing with the

discovery; only in the event that micro-siting to allow preservation in situ cannot be achieved will

excavation to ensure preservation by record be considered;

Any significant archaeological features encountered will be dealt with by the on-site archaeologist(s).

Should archaeological features be encountered they will be fully excavated and recorded, unless by prior

agreement to the contrary with the HET. Any excavated feature fills and horizons will be bulk sampled for

palaeoenvironmental evidence unless by prior agreement to the contrary with the HET. All archaeological

features will be recorded by written description on pro forma recording sheets, by photograph and by

measured drawing;

If features of archaeological significance are found within the development area, then a further phase of

work to mitigate the archaeologically adverse effects of the development may be required to fully comply

with the terms of the condition. The HET will determine the need for implementation of further Stages of

the proposed archaeological programme;

If the design of the proposed development is flexible, it may be possible to avoid any archaeological

remains discovered during the watching brief phase of work. If this is not possible, an additional phase of

work, involving the post-excavation analysis of excavated material and potentially the publication of all


27

results, would be designed in a supplementary document. This would be prepared after further

consultation with the HET.

Should significant archaeological remains be identified and recovered during the watching brief fieldwork,

Stage 3 mitigation measures, i.e. suitable post-excavation analysis, reporting, and publication of discovered

archaeological remains, will be required.

Human Remains

4.12

In the event of the discovery of human remains be encountered, Northlight Heritage will notify the local police

immediately and thereafter follow prescribed procedure for their treatment, in accordance with legal requirements.

Monitoring

4.13

The HET will have a formal monitoring role on behalf of The Highland Council. Northlight Heritage will notify The HET

and the developer immediately of any unexpectedly significant or complex discoveries, or other unexpected

occurrences which might significantly affect the archaeological work and/or the development. In that event, all finds

and features will be left in situ until arrangements have been agreed for safeguarding or recording them.

4.14

Northlight Heritage will appoint a dedicated project manager for all the works outlined above and the manager will be

the first point of contact for any project-related liaison with the HET and the developer or the developer’s agent for all

formal logistical, administrative and financial aspects of the project.

4.15

It will be important to ensure that all formal communication, instructions, requests (including any proposed

amendments to on-site strategies) and contacts be made, ultimately in writing and in the first instance to the project

manager (as opposed to the site director or other members of the evaluation fieldwork team on site), to ensure

organisational, administrative and financial efficiency.

4.16

Any site visitors, including representatives of The Highland Council and the developer, will be required to conform to

the health and safety regime in place during the fieldwork programme.

5. Programme

It is estimated that the evaluation of the area will require a two-week programme of fieldwork. Highland Council

Archaeology Service will be notified at least one week in advance of fieldwork commencing.

Earliest Start Date: 20 June 2012

Hours of Work: 0900-1730

Timetable

Fieldwork

Week 1: w/c 11 June 2012 - Set up

Week 2: w/c 25 June 2012 - Evaluation fieldwork commences

Week 3: w/c 2 July 2012 - Evaluation fieldwork ends


28

Reporting

Week 5: tbc - reporting starts

Week 6: tbc - reporting continues

Week 7: tbc - reporting to draft complete (to SSE, then HET, for comment/approval)

Week 8: tbc - issue of final report

(Achieving week 8 tasks on schedule assumes rapid response to & approval of draft report by SSE & HET)

This timetable does not include any provision for any Stage 2 or Stage 3 work which might be required.

6. Staffing and Plant

Project Manager Alan Leslie (telephone 07712113683)

Project Director Alastair Becket (telephone: 07432694182)

Site Assistants TBC

Plant Mini-excavator

Plant operator Driver of the mini-excavator (TBC)

A total of three experienced archaeologists, including the site director, will be required to carry out the works in

accordance with the programme outlined above. Curriculum vitae of staff members will be available on request.

A plant operator will be hired along with a mini-excavator.

7. Reporting

7.1

Following completion of the fieldwork, Northlight Heritage will prepare a report outlining the main results and

incorporating lists of all features, finds, samples, photographs and drawings. This report will be produced in-house by

Northlight Heritage as a desk-top published document. The report will also include recommendations for further

mitigation measures appropriate to the remains encountered. Implementation of any recommendations offered will

be conditional on the approval of the Highland Council Archaeology Service. Final decisions on the need for further

work, and on the detailed specification of the character of that work, rest with Planning Authority.

7.2

The report will be prepared in line with the HET’s requirements for reporting, as specified on their online Development

Guidance (section 12), at:

www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/conservation/archaeology/developmentguidance.

The report will provide “a structure or organisation to the primary records” of the fieldwork, forming “a basis for

further work”. It will be “essentially, an initial organisation on paper of the information retrieved from the site” and

consist “of a narrative account of the contexts…discovered, including field interpretations and a set of lists. It is not

intended for publication, but will itself be archived.” Northlight Heritage will also ensure that the project archive is

http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/conservation/archaeology/developmentguidance


29

prepared and ready for submission within six months of the completion of all fieldwork or post-excavation work (as

appropriate). The resultant site archive will be deposited with the National Monuments Records for Scotland. A short

report detailing the results will also be submitted for publication in Discovery and Excavation in Scotland and to OASIS.

7.3

Copies of the report will be provided to The Highland Council, via the HET, to the developer and to the National

Monuments Record for Scotland. Further copies can be distributed to other recipients if requested and specified.

7.4

The results of this work will inform the need for further (Stage 2) fieldwork or further (Stage 3) analysis of

materials/generation of a report for publication, the report will, on request, be followed by a costed assessment

specifying any work deemed necessary in order to complete the project to the satisfaction of the Planning Authority

and thus to fulfil the planning condition. Publication, where required, would normally be sought in a suitable

academic journal acceptable to HET. The post-excavation process is part of the planning condition and is required to

bring a piece of archaeological work to completion.

7.5

The laws relating to Treasure Trove and Bona Vacantia in Scotland apply to all finds where the original owner cannot

be identified. This includes all material recovered during archaeological fieldwork. Accordingly, all assemblages

recovered from archaeological fieldwork are claimed automatically by the Crown and must be reported to the Scottish

Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel through its secretariat, the Treasure Trove Unit. In the event of the discovery of

small finds during the fieldwork at Beauly Substation, a filled-out copy of the form "Declaration of an Archaeological

Assemblage from Fieldwork" and two copies of the pertinent Data Structure Report will be submitted to the Panel at

the conclusion of the fieldwork. The Panel will then be responsible for recommending to the Queen's and Lord

Treasurer's Remembrancer (QLTR) which museum should be allocated the finds.

7.6

All artefacts will be stored temporarily by Northlight Heritage until a decision has been made by the Panel regarding

the museum which will be allocated the finds for permanent curation. All finds will be transferred to the appropriate

museum within six months of completion of the fieldwork, if no post-excavation work is required, or at the end of the

latest finishing post-excavation programme.

7.7

In the event that unallocated finds recovered from the evaluation or any later stages of work require to be removed

from Scotland, for the purposes of post-excavation analysis, Northlight Heritage will be legally required to obtain the

consent of the QLTR, in the form of a loan agreement. Initially, an indication of intent would be registered with the

Treasure Trove Secretariat at the National Museums of Scotland, after which formal consent would be applied for using

the form "Application for authority to borrow unallocated Treasure Trove for research purposes". A consent form,

signed by the QLTR and specifying conditions (such as the period during which finds may be held outside Scotland)

would then be issued. Northlight Heritage will require to be in receipt of this signed consent form before items may be

removed from the country.


30

8. Health and Safety

8.1

The project will be conducted in accordance with health and safety legislation and with the standards and guidance

governing archaeological fieldwork set down in the IFA approved Health and Safety in Archaeological Fieldwork

document prepared by SCAUM. A risk assessment will be prepared and submitted to the client prior to fieldwork

commencing.

9. Welfare Arrangements

9.1

A welfare unit with basic canteen facilities will be available for shelter when required and for breaks from work (i.e.

lunch). The welfare unit will also contain toilet and hand washing facilities.

10. Access Arrangements

10.1

The developer owns the site although access is only achievable through Balblair Quarry. Access to the site for

archaeologists and plant will be organised through agreement with both the client and principal contractor RJ McLeod.

A 4x4 vehicle will be required for access.

11. Bibliography

Becket, A 2010 Beauly Substation Archaeological Evaluation, GUARD unpublished DSR, Glasgow.

Dutton, A , Clapperton, K & Carter, S 2007 'Rock art from a Bronze Age burial at Balblair, near Inverness’, in

Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 137, 117-136. Edinburgh.

Hanley, R & Sheridan, A 1994 ‘A Beaker Cist from Balblair, near Beauly, Inverness District’, in Proceedings of the Society

of Antiquaries of Scotland, 124, 129-139. Edinburgh.

Neighbour, T 1999 Balblair Wood, Beauly, Archaeological Survey, CFA Project 514, Unpublished report.

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

Archaeology Unit Unpublished survey report.


31

Appendix 4: DES

LOCAL AUTHORITY: Highland

PROJECT TITLE/SITE NAME: Beauly Converter Station

PROJECT CODE: 4004161

PARISH: Balblair

NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR: Alastair Becket NAME OF ORGANISATION: Northlight Heritage

TYPE(S) OF PROJECT: Archaeological Evaluation NMRS NO(S): None

SITE/MONUMENT TYPE(S): Prehistoric cairns, hut-circles, field banks SIGNIFICANT FINDS:

NGR (2 letters, 8 or 10 figures) NGR: NH 5050 4470 START DATE (this season) 19 June 2012

END DATE (this season) 26 June 2012 PREVIOUS WORK (incl. DES ref.)

MAIN (NARRATIVE) DESCRIPTION: (May include information from other fields)

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken at Balblair Wood, near Beauly,

Highland, on the site of a proposed converter station, as part of Scottish &

Southern Energy’s Western Isles Connection programme. The work was

conducted by Northlight Heritage between 19 and 26 June 2012.

Six features, previously identified through survey, were investigated through

trial trenching. The features appear to be broadly similar to other nearby cairn

and possible hut-circle features elsewhere in Balblair Wood. No direct dating

evidence for the features was recovered during the evaluation, although it is

likely (based upon their morphology, construction and proximity to known

prehistoric features) that they represent some form of prehistoric occupation

of the site. Trenches were also opened elsewhere in the evaluation area, often

in areas between and around the known features, and no further

archaeological remains were encountered.

PROPOSED FUTURE WORK:

CAPTION(S) FOR ILLUSTRS: SPONSOR OR FUNDING BODY: Scottish and Southern Energy Ltd.

ADDRESS OF MAIN CONTRIBUTOR:

Northlight Heritage, York Archaeological Trust, 47 Aldwark, York, Y01 7BX

EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected] ARCHIVE LOCATION (intended/deposited)

National Monuments Record for Scotland (intended)


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