Inverness, East Beechwood Farm

Evaluation

Rob Engl and Victoria Clements – AOC Archaeology Group

NH 68948 45386 and NH 69138 44634 A 5% sample evaluation was carried out on two land parcels, consisting of 36 trenches covering a total basal area of 3,560m², 12–16 January 2009 prior to development. The evaluation revealed numerous features of archaeological significance, including a large enclosure ditch of probable prehistoric date and a variety of pit and posthole features. Artefacts recovered from the pit features included a single flint flake and prehistoric pottery including Neolithic Grooved Ware. A large quantity of impressed daub was also revealed in the ditch terminus.

Archive: RCAHMS (intended)

Funder: ROK Prime Contracting Ltd

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken prior to a mixed use development at East Beechwood Farm, Inverness. An initial evaluation was carried out on an associated part of the development to the north in 2009.

The evaluation indicated that significant archaeological features exist within parts of the development area. As with the 2009 evaluation, clusters of post-hole features and ditches are suggestive of Bronze Age / Iron Age later prehistoric settlement comprising linear / curvilinear ditches (enclosures or field boundaries) and timber post-built structures.

A number of the features may be contemporary with the burnt mound NH64NE 625. Elsewhere lay a possible small square barrow and potentially Pictish Pitcarmick-type features.

Information from AOC Archaeology Group

NH 6903 4506 A programme of excavation was undertaken 18 April–17 June 2011, following evaluations in 2009 and 2010, and prior to a mixed use development. The excavation revealed numerous settlement features including several later prehistoric roundhouses, four-poster structures and a partially surviving palisaded enclosure. The artefact assemblage was slight, but the presence of slag suggested iron working had taken place on site. A disparate suite of features (clusters of pits and small postholes) together with the presence of Grooved Ware reflected earlier Neolithic settlement in the northern part of the development area.

Archive: RCAHMS (intended)

Funder: Highlands and Islands Enterprise

AOC Archaeology Group, 2011

A watching brief was undertaken on groundworks associated with a mixed use development at East Beechwood Farm, Inverness. A programme of archaeological works (evaluations in 2009 and 2010 and excavation in 2011) had previously been undertaken. This earlier work revealed a considerable suite of later prehistoric settlement features including several roundhouses, four-poster structures and a partially surviving palisaded enclosure. A disperate suite of features (clusters of pits and small postholes) in the north of the development area together with the presence of Grooved Ware evidence indicated prior Neolithic settlement.

The watching brief revealed three further post-built roundhouses, a curvilinear field boundary, dispersed pit clusters and isolated pits and post-holes.

Information from AOC Archaeology Group