Archaeological Evaluation

Date 19 May 2016 - 30 May 2016

Event ID 1022158

Category Recording

Type Archaeological Evaluation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1022158

An Archaeological Assessment was commissioned as part of the proposals to construct a Biomass Plant at Troon Harbour on the site of the Ailsa Craig shipyard. This was accompanied by a watching brief maintained during excavation of trial pits. Analysis of sources revealed no record of occupation within the development area pre-dating the construction of Troon Harbour in 1808. While the potential of the natural harbour formed by the Troon peninsula had long been recognised, this wasn't fully exploited until 1808. The development of the modern town of Troon owes itself to the creation of the harbour. Troon Harbour is a significant part of Scotland's early industrialisation and as such large parts are Category B Listed. However, the Harbour remained in use for the last 200 years, and as such continued to develop, modernise and re-model. The map regression shows that between 1860 and 1896 large scale reconstruction of the proposed development site took place - a process that has continued to the present day. Archaeological monitoring of Trial Pits revealed large deposits of made ground, some containing late 20th century rubbish at depth and showing extensive re-working of the proposed development area. Continued use, demolition and construction on the proposed development site will have severely compromised or removed any traces of the early harbour buildings and fittings. As such ARCHAS Cultural Heritage Ltd consider the archaeological potential of the site to be low. It is recommended that no further archaeological mitigation is required should the development be granted planning permission.

Information from OASIS ID: archascu1-256565 (R Cameron) 2016