Magnetometry

Date 14 September 2017 - 20 January 2018

Event ID 1104895

Category Recording

Type Magnetometry

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1104895

NT 1667 7542 (centred on) A gradiometer survey was undertaken, 14 September – 3 October 2017 (Phase 1) and 17 – 20 January 2018 (Phase 2), across seven fields around Craigiehall Camp, as part of a wider evaluation in advance of proposed development. Of the c61.4ha originally earmarked for geophysical survey, 54.9ha were surveyed.

The geology of the area consists of carboniferous sedimentary rocks, with intrusive igneous sills, with bedrock outcropping in places. This has resulted in a very high level of magnetic response across the area, and it is possible that weaker, more ephemeral, anomalies of possible archaeological interest may be masked by the relatively high levels of background response.

Linear anomalies have been detected throughout all the survey areas. Many of these are thought to be due to field drains, while others may indicate the presence of former field boundaries. It is possible that there is some aliasing in the data, which has resulted in the juxtaposition of different phases of field drains and possible former field boundaries giving a false impression of enclosures. However, an archaeological origin for some of the ditch-type anomalies cannot be dismissed.

Aerial photographs of the area show a ring ditch (possible barrow NT17NE 163) to the W of the MOD camp. Although ephemeral trends have been noted which may relate to this feature, it is not a clear feature within the data. However, a second circular anomaly, a possible ring ditch, has been detected in the data, to the E of the MOD Camp.

Archive: Rose Geophysical Consultants

Funder: CFA Archaeology Ltd

Susan Ovenden – Rose Geophysical Consultants

(Source: DES Vol 19)