EHG907 - Navidale, Helmsdale

The archaeological excavation north of Helmsdale, Sutherland was undertaken by AOC Archaeology Group on behalf of Road and Transport under the management of Historic Scotland. The excavation of the roundhouse, NMRS NDO1NW 40, was required as the upgrade of the main trunk road, the A9 would result in damage or the destruction of the roundhouse. The excavation recorded several structural features, recovered in situ charcoal sample and severl finds including a fragment of a carved spindle whorl (possible stone pendant), a few prehistoric pottery sherds and numerous coarse stone implements including saddle querns, weights, hammerstones and a possible mortar/lamp. During the excavation of the roundhouse it was possible to accurately survey in two other roundhouses that were situated a few hundred metres south-east of the excavation area. These two roundhouses were both well preserved and appeared superficially to be very similar to the excavated roundhouse. Also surveyed was a field bank lying outwith the CPO. <1> The excavation assemblage from the roundhouse was submitted to Treasure Trove (TT 192/09) and allocated to Inverness Museum. See attached TT fieldwork report. <2> <3> A short summary report of the 2002 excavation is held in the Inverness Museum archives, which also lists the carved spindle whorl or pendant under Acc. No. 2010.023. <4>