Archaeological Evaluation

Date July 2005 - September 2005

Event ID 999434

Category Recording

Type Archaeological Evaluation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/999434

NO 1812 4498 (centre) An evaluation was undertaken between July and September 2005 on the site of a new supermarket at Welton Road. This followed a desk-based assessment which established the potential for on-site archaeological remains. The development was to take place on the site of the former railway station, and to the SE of the original core of the town. The station was demolished several years ago, although some railway buildings

survived as stores and industrial units. There had been sawmills on the site in the 19th century, before the coming of the railway, and it was thought possible that traces of these and other earlier industrial and mill structures might survive. It was also possible that the site, lying on a terrace above the Ericht, might have attracted early prehistoric activity.

The site was extensively trenched and revealed deposits of ash, railway ballast and railway debris overlying natural deposits. No features of archaeological significance were exposed. Surviving railway and industrial buildings were recorded. The most interesting of these was a former railway engine shed, which still preserved wooden smoke hoods in the roof space.

Archive to be deposited in NMRS.

Sponsor: Tesco Stores Ltd.

C Fyles 2005.