EHG5735 - Watching brief - Flood Prevention Scheme, Drumnadrochit

Two phases of archaeological watching brief were carried out by AOC Archaeology Group in 2021 prior to the construction of a Flood Protection Scheme and associated works at Drumnadrochit. Site works were to include access tracks, rock armour placements and an embankment. The development site was situated within a significant archaeological landscape, including prehistoric burial cairns, roundhouse settlements and a hillfort. In addition, previous phase of archaeological fieldwork within the surrounding Drumnadrochit area had identified significant prehistoric archaeological features and artefacts. Due to the archaeological potential, the watching brief was required in order to identify and record the presence of further archaeology prior to development. The first phase of fieldwork was carried out from 23rd to 30th September 2021. A total of five pits and one possible posthole were uncovered along with several fragments of ferrous metal objects and decorated prehistoric pottery sherds. Unfortunately, the archaeological features showed signs of disturbance from recent agricultural works, along with regular flooding of the site may account for the limited preservation found at this excavation. The second phase of fieldwork was carried out from 14th to 15th October 2021 and two further firepits or hearth pits were identified. The results from the archaeological work have shown evidence for possible prehistoric activity. A small programme of post-excavation analyses will be required to interpret the chronology and the activities undertaken on the site. <1> A small programme of post-excavation analyses was subsequently undertaken. The archaeological remains included Iron Age fire-pits and a large pit with iron artefacts representing late/post-medieval activity. A small assemblage of significant artefacts were recovered which included fragments of worked pumice and sherds from a rare, decorated stone cup of likely Iron Age date. Although absolute dating of the stone cup was not possible, two of the radiocarbon dates provided evidence to support this. The results from the archaeological work showed evidence for prehistoric activity and the site represents another significant part of the important prehistoric archaeological landscape in Drumnadrochit. <2>