Balnaglack Farm Steading

NH75SW 3 7439 5074

NH 7439 5074 A Level 1 Standing Building Survey was carried out at Balnaglack Steading prior to its proposed demolition. The site occupies a formal courtyard plan with a barn and grain store forming the north range. A large byre occupies the east range and a stable and tractor shed is present on the west range. The south range has a two-bay cart shed, small stable and a passage through to the courtyard. The buildings display several phases of conversion from the early 19th century which saw smaller internal units that underwent major alterations to suit the requirements of mixed-farming in the mid-20th century.

Sponsor: Cornerstone Gold Development International.

M Cressey, 2006.

NH 743 507 (centred) An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by CFA Archaeology Ltd between 20 February and 17 March 2006 at the proposed location of Castle Stuart Golf Links, Balnaglack, Inverness in advance of its development as a golf course complex. One hundred and one trial trenches were excavatated, amounting to 20,711m squared (c.5%), across the locations of the findspot of medieval artefacts (NH75SW25), buildings recorded on historic maps, and an area of former crofts. A scatter of isolated pits was recorded within the area of former 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.

Sponsor: Cornerstone Golf Development International.

Melanie Johnson, 2006.

NH 743 507 A trial trenching evaluation was carried out by CFA Archaeology Ltd in August 2006 at the proposed site of Castle Stuart Golf Links, near Inverness. Eight trenches totalling 299m squared 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 near 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. The site is interpreted as a stock enclosure. The possible remains of a farm steading were also found, although preservation was poor and a plan of the original building could not be determined from the remains. Another steading was not found during the evaluation, although there were remains of masonry lying on the ground in the area.

Sponsor: Castle Stuart Golf LLP.

C O'Connell, 2006.

NMRS REFERENCE

Architect A and W Reid 1875 - alts to steading

NMRS library - Inverntory to Moray Estate Drawings - typescript