Battle Of Sheriffmuir

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The aim of the project was to locate as accurately as possible the site of the battle of Sheriffmuir, which was fought between Jacobite and Government forces on 13 November 1715. The main location of interest was the initial deployment of the battle lines, which preceded the rapid departure from the moor of the left wings of both armies, who were hotly pursued by the opposing force’s right wing. The work was carried out in April and May 2006 in relation to the proposed 400 kV overhead line, which will run from Beauly to Denny and replace the current 132kV line that runs across the moor.

Metal detector survey, supported by in-depth analysis of contemporary battle accounts and historic maps, has established that the initial battle lines were orientated E to W and located in the commercial woodland to the W of the Sheriffmuir Inn and E of the Gathering Stone. There seems little doubt that the planting of this forestry will have had a detrimental impact on any archaeology relating to the battle in this location.

Pockets of survival were identified outside woodland in the pasture fields and to a lesser extent on moorland. The assemblage included musket and pistol balls, button, buckles, horseshoes, a snaffle bit and coins, among which was a silver ‘King’s Shilling’ dated to the 1690s. The main concentration of debris were found to the SW of the MacRae Monument, and relate to the retreat of the Government Left, while debris from the paddock immediately to the W of the Sheriffmuir Inn related to action on the Jacobite Left.

Also recovered were a large number of WWII military artefacts; most of them were .303 shell casings, but mortar projector cases, webbing buckles and buttons were also recovered. This material relates to the use of the moor for training during WWII, most notably for the Normandy Invasion (D-Day).

Archive to be deposited in the NMRS.

Sponsor: Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission Ltd (SHETL) and SP Transmission Ltd (SPT)

T Pollard 2006

NN 79445 05725 – NN 82027 01425 A programme of archaeological work was undertaken, 2 April 2012 – 4 August 2016, during work associated with the construction of an overhead power line, across the designated battlefield of Sheriffmuir. A metal detecting survey recovered 845 finds, which mainly consisted of material from the 19th and 20th centuries, with a few pieces of possible 18th-century date. A watching brief, undertaken during ground disturbance works within the designated battlefield area, encountered discrete archaeological features at tower compound TD181B, just NW of the A9, which consisted of four pits grouped into two pairs. Their significance in isolation is low and their function remains unknown. Seven dry stone walls were also recorded.

Archive: NRHE (intended)

Funder: Scottish and Southern Energy Ltd

Peta Glew – Northlight Heritage

(Source: DES, Volume 17)

A metal detecting survey was carried out across the area proposed for a new bridge and section of new access road where it lies close to the Wharry Burn and falls within the designated Sheriffmuir Historic Battlefield Site . The survey which was carried out on the 08 May 2013 aimed

to detect and recover any artefacts of archaeological or historic origin; and,

to identify, if possible, areas of activity associated with the Sheriffmuir Battle or its aftermath.

A series of 30m by 30m grids was established over the survey area and detecting was carried out on a grid by grid basis with each grid surveyed in parallel transects each 2m wide. No metallic discrimination was set on the equipment so that any metal artefacts encountered would register and

be identified. The positions of the grids and transects were recorded using industry standard surveying equipment. Any finds, other than those clearly of late 20th-century date, were to be retained for assessment and analysis by a finds specialist.

The survey did not recovery any artefacts that could have been associated with the battle. It is therefore considered that there is very little potential for buried features and/or artefacts associated with the battle to survive within the proposed development site and no potential direct impacts on remains associated with the battlefield.

Information from Mhairi Hastie (CFA Archaeology Ltd) July 2013. OASIS ID - cfaarcha1-217561

A metal detecting survey was undertaken as part of a cultural heritage assessment in advace of proposed Forestry Works, Jerah, Near Menstrie, Stirling and Clackmannanshire Cultural Heritage Assessment.

The survey was carried out across the area proposed for a new bridge and section of new access road where it lies close to the Wharry Burn and falls within the designated Sheriffmuir Historic Battlefield Site. The survey which was carried out on the 08 May 2013 aimed to detect and recover any artefacts of archaeological or historic origin; and, to identify, if possible, areas of activity associated with the Sheriffmuir Battle or its aftermath.

A series of 30m by 30m grids was established over the survey area and detecting was carried out on a grid by grid basis with each grid surveyed in parallel transects each 2m wide. No metallic discrimination was set on the equipment so that any metal artefacts encountered would register and

be identified. The positions of the grids and transects were recorded using industry standard surveying equipment. The metal detecting survey did not find or recover any artefacts of archaeological interest.

Information from Mhairi Hastie (CFA Archaeology Ltd) July 2013. OASIS ID: cfaarcha1-217561

NN 79822 01508 (NN80SW 1) A metal detector survey and evaluation were undertaken, 16–28 April 2015, on a plot of land to the E of Dunblane. Known as Dykedale, the area was considered sensitive as it is within the boundary of the Sheriffmuir Battlefield. A total of 42 metal objects were recovered during metal detecting. The majority of the finds consisted of 19th- and 20th-century domestic and agricultural debris. Only three were of particular interest: a copper alloy buckle, an iron knife blade repurposed as a file, and a lead musket ball which may relate to the Battle of Sheriffmuir fought in 1715. A subsequent evaluation recorded a thin ploughsoil overlying natural, with no finds or features of archaeological significance.

A domestic midden, probably late 19th-century in date, was uncovered during the metal detecting in a probable garden plot adjoining the S gable of Dykedale Cottage. The midden was not excavated as it will not be affected by the proposed development.

Archive: NRHE (intended)

Funder: Ristol Ltd

Andrew Morrison and Kenneth Macfadyen – Addyman Archaeology

(Source: DES, Volume 17)