EHG1420 - Trial trenching - Dornoch Business Park

Technique(s)

Organisation

Rathmell Archaeology Ltd

Date

June 2006

Description

A trial trenching evaluation was carried out by Rathmell Archaeology in 2006 in respect of a commercial development at Dornoch Business Park, Dornoch, Highland. The fieldwork comprised twelve trenches covering 10% of the total area, supported by a metal detector survey, which failed to identify any archaeologically significant material. The development area comprised three distinct sections; the north-western section composed of topsoil directly overlying subsoil, the north-eastern section composed of betterquality cultivable land, and the central and south-western areas which were composed of lower lying waterlogged ground. One potentially archaeologically significant feature, a possible highly truncated posthole was located in the north-eastern area of cultivable land. However, the determination of date or function of this feature was problematic due to its isolated nature and the lack of diagnostic datable evidence. A further possibly significant area was revealed in the south-eastern corner. However, after further investigations in the central section of the development area the original interpretation of this area as ditch feature may need to be revised; its is suggested that this area may possibly represent a natural hollow or sloping of the ground. Seven rectangular pit features were also recorded in a band around the periphery of the cultivable land in the north-eastern area. The form of these pits suggests that they may possibly be of a more modern origin. However, this cannot be stated with any degree of certainty due to the lack of datable diagnostic material. Given the presence of archaeological features within the development site it is recommended that archaeological monitoring in support of the topsoiling of the development area be carried out.<1> Finds from the excavation were submitted to Tresure Trove (TT 58/07) and allocated to Historylinks Museum. They are pictured on Dornoch Historylinks Image Library Nos. 6252-65. <2> <3> <4> <5>

Sources/Archives (5)

  • <1>XY Text/Report/Fieldwork Report: Gow, A. & Gordon, D.. 2006. Dornoch Business Park: Archaeological Evaluation: Data Structure Report. Rathmell Archaeology Ltd. 18/07/2006. Paper and Digital. [Mapped feature: #3789 Trenches, ]
  • <2> Text/Record Form: Treasure Trove. 2019. Treasure Trove Artefact Reports for Highland Area 1994-2018. Treasure Trove. Digital. TT 58/07.
  • <3> Dataset/Database File: Treasure Trove. 2019. Highland Finds from Treasure Trove Annual Reports 2004-18. Treasure Trove. Digital. TT 58/07.
  • <4> Text/Record Form/Project Recording Form: Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands (ARCH). 2019. Finds Collection at Historylinks Museum. Dornoch Business Park Ex. Assemblage.
  • <5> Interactive Resource/Online Database: Dornoch Historylinks. Dornoch Historylinks Image Library. Nos. 6252-65.

Map

Location

Location Dornoch Business Park
Grid reference Centred NH 7963 8941 (111m by 86m)
Map sheet NH78NE
Geographical Area SUTHERLAND
Operational Area CAITHNESS SUTHERLAND AND EASTER ROSS
Civil Parish DORNOCH

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Record last edited

Aug 26 2022 5:37PM

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