Balvraid

NH79NE 41 7727 9511.

NH 7730 9519 Desk-based assessment and trial trenching in March 2001 were carried out in advance of a quarry development close to an archaeological cropmark. Nine trenches totalling 1391m² were machine-excavated. A number of archaeological features were noted, including pits, hearths, and post-holes, of possible prehistoric date, and also a number of features including rubble drains relating to 19th-century agricultural improvements.

Excavation work to the whole development area of c 12,000m² was carried out in April 2001. A number of additional features were noted including a small corn-drying kiln, as well as a quartz tool and a small hearth with a worked stone object. The majority of features revealed probably relate to post-agricultural improvement fence lines.

Full report lodged with Highland SMR and the NMRS.

Sponsor: Granit Union.

S Farrell 2001