Borgue Wood Of Cairnsmore

NX 4040 6540 to NX 2099 5766, NX 4131 6454 to NX 4236

6274, and NX 4525 6342 to NX 4605 6653 AOC Archaeology

Group undertook a walkover survey along the proposed route of

the Barclye to Palnure Pipeline between 10 April–21 June 2007.

The condition and extent of several previously identified sites

was assessed and several new sites were identified and recorded.

These included a previously unidentified cairn at NX 31852

62708 and a cup-marked stone at NX 29533 61314. Several

dry stone structures and farmsteads were identified along the

route of an old military road between NX 37970 64760 and NX

3535 6330. Several earthworks were also identified including a

bank at Nether Barr (NX 41767 63728 to NX 41817 63773)

and a possible industrial earthwork at Bardrochwood (NX 45975

65432). Two milestones, shown on the modern Ordnance

Survey map but not recorded in RCAHMS. were located at NX

33812 62869 and NX 25296 59264 and date to the early

19th century. A bridge pier related to the dismantled Portpatrick

Line was noted at NX 37781 64161. Other features identified

included: a dry stone circular feature at NX 26482 59920 near

Knock Orr; a brick-built structure at NX 38743 64114 near

Hazel Green; two modern grave markers at NX 4020 6475

near Newton Stewart and a fishing pond (possible) at NX 41888

63617 near Nether Barr.

We subsequently undertook an archaeological inspection

after topsoil stripping during the construction of the new water

pipeline. A rubble spread was visible along part of the Shennanton

to Ardachie pipeline corridor. Whinstone filled rubble drains and

a gully drain were recorded on part of the Glenluce to Ladyburn

section.

Archive to be deposited with RCAHMS.

Funder: Scottish Water Solutions

Vicky Oleksy and Alan Hunter Blair - AOC Archaeology Group