Archaeological Evaluation

Date 31 August 2020 - 18 September 2020

Event ID 1161448

Category Recording

Type Archaeological Evaluation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1161448

This report presents the results of an archaeological evaluation

undertaken as required by Persimmon Homes Ltd prior to the

construction of a mixed use development at Newcraighall, Musselburgh,

East Lothian, Area 2 (NGR: NT 33295 70717).The need for, and scope

of, the archaeological works were determined by East Lothian Council

who are advised on archaeological matters by Mr. Andrew Robertson of

the East Lothian Council Archaeology Service (ELCAS).

The evaluation required an 8% sample (in part) of the 19.5ha site. In

total 5,875 linear metres were excavated by trial trenching. The

evaluation revealed two large ditch features, multiple pits and multiple

agricultural furrows within the Area 2 development site. One of the ditch

features included a possible curving enclosure ditch located in the same

high ground area as a concentration of pits some of which contained

material aligned with prehistoric activity.

The presence of prehistoric features identified within Area 2 is in itself

significant given the wider archaeological landscape surrounding the

development area which includes significant prehistoric and Roman

sites within the immediate locale (AOC DBA 2018).

Further mitigation may be required in and around three separate areas

comprising the concentration of pits in the north western area, the

potential prehistoric enclosure identified in trenches 23 and 33, and the

two later prehistoric pits within the south area.

Information from OASIS Id: aocarcha1-404734 (K Wallace) 2020