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Archaeological Evaluation
Date February 2006 - August 2006
Event ID 550341
Category Recording
Type Archaeological Evaluation
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/550341
NH 743 507 An archaeological evaluation was undertaken in February and March 2006 in advance of development as a golf course complex. We excavated 101 trial trenches, amounting to 20,711m2 (c 5%), across the findspots of medieval artefacts (NH75SW 25), buildings recorded on historic maps, and an area of former crofts. A scatter of isolated pits was recorded within the area of crofts, one of which contained sherds of Early Neolithic pottery. It is possible that some of the other pits are also of prehistoric date. However, no concentrations were recorded which could indicate the former focus of settlement or other activity.
A further trial trenching evaluation was carried out in August 2006. Eight trenches totalling 299m2 were excavated at the location of five previously recorded sites. Two wells recorded on 1st and 2nd Edition OS maps were not found, but a possible natural spring in the vicinity of one was identified. An enclosure depicted on the 2nd Edition OS map was found to be a dry stone wall construction, with a stone and concrete ramp leading into it, interpreted as a stock enclosure. The remains of a possible farm steading were also found, although preservation was poor and a plan of the original building could not be determined. Another steading was not found during the evaluation, although there were remains of masonry in the area.
A Level 1 building survey was carried out at Balnaglack Steading in advance of its proposed demolition. The site has a formal courtyard plan with a barn and grain store forming the N range. A large byre occupies the E range and a stable and tractor shed are present on the W range. The S range has a two-bay cart shed, small stable and a passage though to the courtyard. The buildings display several phases of conversion from the early 19th century. Smaller internal units underwent major alterations to suit the requirements of mixed farming in the mid 20th century.
Report to be submitted to NMRS and Highland SMR; archive to be submitted to NMRS.
Sponsor: Cornerstone Golf Development International.
M Johnson, C O'Connell and M Cressey 2006
