EHG5718 - Geophysical survey - proposed HVDC Switching Station, Noss Head

A geophysical survey (magnetometry) was undertaken by Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA) in 2020 at land at Noss Head, Wick, Caithness prior to the construction of an electricity switching station. The geophysical survey covered an area of c. 17ha and identified a total of 15 anomalies within the proposed development area (excluding modern ferrous debris). Ten of these were considered to be of probable archaeological origin, three of possible archaeological origin and the remainder of probable modern archaeological origin. The majority of anomalies of probable archaeological origin appear to relate to the post-medieval agricultural occupation of the landscape in the form of an area of extensive rig and furrow cultivation and the remnants of the farmstead of ‘Black Brigs’ together with old field boundaries and divisions. Additional anomalies appear to relate to the WWII enemy aircraft obstacles. The nature of the two anomalies of possible archaeological origin is unclear. It was recommended a subsequent phase of archaeological trial trenching targets the identified anomalies to further establish their nature and significance together with a representative sample of the remaining area. <1>