North Kessock, Arrie Cottage

NH 6797 5133 A programme of archaeological work was undertaken 2014–2016 during work associated with the construction of a new house. A desk-based assessment and walkover survey identified various prehistoric features in the area, including a probable burial cairn in the immediate

vicinity of the development and scheduled hut circles and enclosures further afield. The cairn was fenced off in order to protect it from the build.

A trial trenching evaluation was undertaken by Pete Higgins of Archaeology North on behalf of HAS in December 2014. Just over 10% of the area was excavated in the test pitting sample. Two land drains and eight postholes were recorded within 45m of the cairn.

A watching brief was then recommended, and this took place over the winter of 2015–2016. All ground-breaking works were monitored with the exception of a borrow pit excavated before the watching brief commenced. Nineteen features were identified and recorded. A cluster of pits and postholes was located in the part of the development nearest to the cairn, and from this area came the only find from the site – a saddle quern.

Despite the cluster of postholes there was no cohesive pattern or impression of structures. This may be due to the truncation and removal of features from centuries of ploughing at the site. Due to the location of these features near to the cairn, the presence of the saddle quern and the dearth of other finds, it was concluded that this represented prehistoric activity at the site, although the nature of this could not be characterised.

A field drain and modern pipeline were also identified, as well as a scatter of shallow features and stone-throws which may attest further to the intense agricultural activity at the site over the years.

Archive: HAS. Report: Highland HER

Funder: Mr G Stewart

Lynne McKeggie – Highland Archaeology Services

(Source: DES, Volume 17)