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Benbecula, Balivanich Primary School
School (20th Century)
Site Name Benbecula, Balivanich Primary School
Classification School (20th Century)
Canmore ID 279202
Site Number NF75NE 12
NGR NF 77411 55298
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/279202
- Council Western Isles
- Parish South Uist
- Former Region Western Isles Islands Area
- Former District Western Isles
- Former County Inverness-shire
Archaeological Evaluation (8 June 2009 - 12 June 2009)
NF 7742 5530 An evaluation was carried out 8–12 June 2009 prior to construction of a new primary school. The 10% sample evaluation consisted of 27 trenches covering a total basal area of 2850m². The work revealed numerous features including several walls, a hearth and a variety of pit and posthole features, all of which are probably medieval/early post-medieval in date.
Archive: RCAHMS (intended)
Funder: Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
Victoria Clements and Alan Hunter Blair – AOC Archaeology Group
Excavation (5 July 2010 - 14 August 2010)
NF 7742 5530 A programme of archaeological work was undertaken 5 July–14 August 2010 in advance of the construction of a new school. The work consisted of an excavation of a 2400m2 area in the NE part of the site and a watching brief to the N, where a new access road was to be built.
The excavation recorded two ruined buildings lying to the W of a large blackhouse, and a number of possible field boundaries. The removal of stone, for reuse in modern structures, had greatly diminished the ruined buildings. A series of later charcoal burning pits were excavated to the W of the buildings. A range of artefacts was recovered, including pottery sherds which ranged in date from possibly medieval cragan-ware through to modern remains. The fragments of numerous wine bottles were also recovered. The large assemblage of metalwork included a number of cast-iron pot fragments, (including a near complete inverted vessel, built into the wall adjacent to the E doorway of the blackhouse), a possible cannonball and coins.
Archive: RCAHMS
Funder: UBC Group Ltd on behalf of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
AOC Archaeology Group, 2010
Watching Brief (17 January 2011 - 18 January 2011)
NF 7742 5530 A watching brief was undertaken 17–28 January 2011 during ground reduction works associated with an access road for a new school. Evidence of a house, which had been rebuilt at least twice, was found with associated cobbling, pits and postholes. Artefacts recorded included 19th-century pottery and glass fragments. A small amount of metalwork relating to domestic activity was also recovered.
Archive: RCAHMS
Funder: UBC Group Ltd on behalf of Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar
AOC Archaeology Group, 2011
