Condition Survey

Date 15 February 2022 - 16 February 2022

Event ID 1163404

Category Recording

Type Condition Survey

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1163404

HY 76505 54021 In February 2022, an initial site assessment and condition survey was carried out of North Ronaldsay Sheep Dyke, a Category A Listed Building (LB46400), and other heritage sites located in close proximity to the dyke. The assessment was undertaken following involvement from the North Ronaldsay Sheep Dyke Advisory Group, a committee of the Orkney Sheep Foundation (OSF), facilitated by DBS Projects. Initial discussions were held with the Advisory Group and Historic Environment Scotland, regarding the current condition of the dyke and potential long-term plans to repair collapsed sections more systematically and thoroughly. The aim of this work is to conserve the dyke and its associated heritage for the future, and importantly, to conserve and appropriately maintain the population of North Ronaldsay sheep.

The assessment comprised an initial search of national

databases maintained by HES and Orkney’s HER, via Pastmap, to identify historic environment sites recorded adjacent or close

to the dyke (on the seaward side) which may be impacted by any proposed dyke repairs. A two-day site visit was then carried out, in which the entire exterior of the dyke was walked around, and general notes on its condition and conservation issues from an archaeological perspective were noted. The locations of those sites identified in Canmore and the HER as being closest to the dyke were also visited and briefly recorded. Recording comprised digital photography and written notes/ marked up field maps. A set of recommendations, including more detailed recording of the dyke and nearby heritage sites, were outlined in the assessment report. Archive: NRHE (intended)

Funder: Archaeology Scotland; Historic Environment Scotland

Héléna Gray and Phil Richardson – Archaeology Scotland

(Source: DES Volume 23)