Charlestown

NH 6441 4854 An archaeological watching brief was maintained from 18–20 June 2007 during the excavation of 42 test pits in the vicinity of a probable ring ditch and enclosure recorded from aerial photographs. No archaeological remains were found.

Archive deposited with RCAHMS.

Funder: W A Fairhurst and Partners.

C O'Connell 2007

NH 6440 4853 An excavation was undertaken from 24 November 2008–6 February 2009 following an evaluation

(Murray, DES 2008, 110) which recorded a group of features in Area 1 of the proposed development site. A circular cropmark to the N of these features was also excavated. The group of features were established as Neolithic while the circular cropmark was found to overlie a substantial roundhouse and associated features of Iron Age date.

The Neolithic features were concentrated on the western part of the site and comprised a small circular structure and a group of pits. Little anthropogenic material was recovered from the structure but the pits contained a shell midden and evidence for small hearths or nut roasting. A number of fragments of possible Impressed Ware pottery were recovered along with worked flint, including a scale-flaked knife.

The Iron Age roundhouse was of two phases and built on top of earlier probable Bronze Age pits. The earlier phase of the roundhouse appeared to have burnt down and was replaced by a larger house with a substantial porch and a rear wall. Daub fragments were recovered from the latter structure, which comprised large postholes containing substantial in situ stone packing. Environmental evidence suggested the post timbers were oak and that reeds or turf may have been used in the walls or roof. This second roundhouse also appeared to have burnt down. Rough stone paving and a fragmentary cobbled surface were laid over its

remains and were associated with a number of stakeholes, suggesting its continued use as a working area. This phase may be associated with a group of features to the E of the roundhouse, thought to be connected with metalworking. The structures occupied a generally flat area with a slope running down to the N and the shores of the Beauly Firth. A large midden spread associated with the occupation extended downslope.

Archive: RCAHMS

Funder: Tulloch Homes Ltd

Elizabeth Jones – Headland Archaeology Ltd

NH 6437 4854 A monitored topsoil strip was undertaken

15 December 2009–3 February 2010 following an

excavation (DES 2009, 105) which recorded Neolithic

and Iron Age remains. A watching brief was undertaken

during the removal of an electricity pole and the c2.5 x

2.5m of topsoil surrounding it. The area surrounding the

pole, which was in the area occupied by a large Iron Age

roundhouse, contained several pits, the continuation of a

paved area and a previously unrecorded post setting. The

monitored topsoil stripping of 45 x 25m to the E of the

pole found that the area had been heavily truncated by

the construction of a road and contained no features of

archaeological interest.

Archive: RCAHMS

Funder: Tulloch Homes Group Ltd