Druim Dubh

NC 82002 55637 A pre-construction field survey was undertaken by CFA Archaeology, particularly of any areas where the vegetation had been reduced considerably by recent wildfires, to record the baseline condition of any previously unknown sites and assess their proximity to construction activities, in order to establish whether any further mitigation is required. Carry out an historic building survey of the Strathy Wood Chimney to a Basic Level specification prior to its demolition.

Assets were located within the bounds of the development area, close to the present haul road, and were in relatively good condition at the time of the survey. The freestanding chimney was subject to a Basic Level historic building recording and was found to most likely be associated with the earlier 20th century forestry plantation works in the area. The township was beyond the development area but visited to assess its baseline condition. Of the 19 buildings previously associated with the township, only four structures were identified, with the forestry growth and vegetation obscuring most of the remains. Likewise, four sheiling huts recorded from the first edition Ordnance Survey map of 1878 were not identified for this reason. An additional, previously unrecorded asset was also identified within bounds of the development: a low rubblestone bridge crossing at the River Uair. The presence of the defunct crossing in proximity to the township and along the course of a disused track suggests they are contemporary and of local significance to the surrounding landscape, and perhaps relate to the earlier 20th century forestry plantation works.

Information from C Scovell - CFA Archaeology Ltd

OASIS ID: cfaarcha1-515195

Four sheiling huts recorded from the first edition Ordnance

Survey map of 1878. Not identified by field survey.

Information from C Scovell - CFA Archaeology Ltd.

OASIS ID: cfaarcha1-515195

What may be four unroofed shieling-huts are depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Sutherland 1878, sheet xxviii), but are not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10,000 map (1989).

Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 6 December 1995.