EHG4991 - Trial Trenching - Proposed HMP Highland, Eastfield Way, Inverness

An archaeological evaluation was carried out by AOC Archaeology Group in 2016 to assess the potential for buried archaeological remains on a proposed new prison site at Eastfield Way, Inverness. 4.8% of the 7.33ha application site was evaluated. Previous work had been undertaken on the site, including limited geophysical survey and evaluation in 1993 and 1996. This was followed by excavation in 1997 of a 0.44 hectare area on the southwest side of the site, where five prehistoric post structures and two ring-ditch structures were found. Other substantial prehistoric roundhouse settlement had also been recorded less than 50m from the south side of the site. Several trenches were widened to evaluate areas where archaeological features were identified. These included: the remains of a possible roundhouse, several groups of possible post-holes and the basal remains of linear ditch cuts. There were no artefacts recovered other than a small amount of residual vitrified material, including a fragment of ferrous metal-working debris. Radiocarbon dates obtained for these features indicate the presence of multiphase settlement ranging from the Neolithic to the Iron Age, congruent with the archaeological remains uncovered in the immediate vicinity during previous development works. This site therefore ties in within the broader narrative for this part of Inverness’ prehistoric past. An archaeological watching brief has been recommended during development and recommendations will be made for post-excavation analysis of the recovered samples. <1>