EHG5916 - Trial trenching - new Nairn Academy site, Nairn

A trial trenching evaluation was carried out by AOC Archaeology Group in 2022 at Nairn Academy, Duncan Drive, Nairn in advance of the construction of a proposed new replacement secondary school. The evaluation was required as previous geophysical survey (see EHG5671) and archaeological monitoring during ground investigation works (see EHG5672) had identified that there was high potential for prehistoric archaeological remains to survive. Thirty-seven trenches were excavated across the eastern area and two trenches were excavated in the north-eastern corner, sampling an area totalling 3,180m² (10% of the 32,060m² development area). The trial trenching recorded archaeological remains in the form of linear features, pits and post holes which likely represent multiperiod prehistoric remains, although no artefacts were recovered to confirm this. Many of the features, however, appeared to contain carbonised plant/charcoal. The trial trenching has confirmed the presence of archaeological features as suggested by the geophysical survey. Due to a lack of artefactual evidence at this stage the function or date of the features recorded across the site is unclear. An archaeological watching brief for future ground-breaking works, and a programme of post-excavation analysis of the environmental samples, was recommended. <1>