Desk-based assessment and walkover survey

Date May 2011

Event ID 633829

Category Project

Type Project

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/633829

A programme of archaeological work was undertaken May–July 2011 on the site of proposed hydro-electric scheme, which will harness the two streams of Abhainn Shlatach and Allt na h-Aire. An assessment of cartographic evidence and aerial photographs highlighted at least two archaeological sites. A field survey, undertaken in difficult conditions, confirmed the existence of these, one a sheepfold (NM 8914 8120), the other an enclosure and quarry (NM 8900 8135), and also identified a turf enclosure (NM 8875 8010) and a series of drains (NM 897 807). All are probably indicators of 18th- and 19th-century farming activity. Their locations were recorded and marked by canes. A number of mitigation measures have been proposed and the sites should not be affected by the development.

Archive: RCAHMS (intended)

Funder: TLS Hydropower Ltd

Alba Archaeology (Highland) Ltd, 2011

Related Site(s)

People and Organisations

Related Event(s)

Event	Type	Subtype	Notes	Date
638327	RECORDING	FIELD VISIT	This oblong enclosure or sheepfold is situated in rough ground on the S bank of Abhainn Shlatach. Irregular in plan, it measures about 45m from E to W by 20m from N to S, and is defined, except at the E end, by a turf wall up to 0.6m wide and 0.6m high, constructed from turfs cut along its outer edge. At the SW corner of the enclosure, a turf wall runs off to the SSW probably to act as a ‘funnel’ for sheep, while a depression at its NNE end may just be from turf stripping. A larger depression, 3m square by 0.6m in depth, at the E end of the enclosure is of unclear function. [...]	18 May 2011
638328	RECORDING	FIELD VISIT	A series of linear features at 6m intervals run from SW to NE within the thickly wooded and overgrown SW bank of the Abhainn Shlatach. At 0.5m in width and 0.4m in depth, the features run up to and over natural bedrock terracing and reflect a pattern of drainage perhaps related to forestry planting. [...]	18 May 2011
638329	RECORDING	FIELD VISIT	This enclosure is situated in rough ground the N side of the Allt na h-Aire. Measuring 20m from NW to SE by 12m transversely, the enclosure is defined by turf banks that have spread to 1m wide in places and 0.5m in height. A linear bank within is of unclear function. Despite no clear evidence for cultivation, the accumulated soil in the interior suggests that the enclosure may have been a small arable field.	18 May 2011

Desk-based assessment and walkover survey

Related Site(s)

People and Organisations

Related Event(s)

References