Archaeological Evaluation

Date 22 May 2007 - 23 May 2007

Event ID 558230

Category Recording

Type Archaeological Evaluation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/558230

NS 3189 5377 A programme of archaeological evaluation and survey works was undertaken on 22–3 May 2007 in respect of the proposed residential development at Nether Mill, Kilbirnie. The evaluation opened nine trenches covering the available open ground to the E of the mill complex and over the site of a long cist exposed in 1798. A representative sample, as agreed with WoSAS, of all of the uncovered features with

archaeological potential was investigated. The trenches exhibited a common stratigraphic sequence with topsoil up to 450mm in depth overlying variable subsoil. Occasional rubble field drains indicating an attempt at improvement were apparent throughout the eastern fields and an area of broad rig was recorded in the

southern field. The elements of the Mill Complex were recorded; a denuded late 18th-century mill with adjoined cottage survives with fragments of an internal geared 19th-century wheel extant. The lade, mill pond and races are still identifiable but no longer hold water. No mill machinery, other than the fragmentary wheel, remains on site and the structure stands no more than one storey high. The mill is a minor structure and in a poor condition; it should be considered as of local importance.

Report deposited with WoSAS and archive deposited with RCAHMS.

Funder: Kilbirnie Land Ltd.