EHG1524 - Evaluation - Lower Slackbuie, Inverness

Ninety-six trial trenches (totalling 3750 linear metres) were excavated in a proposed development area at Slackbuie. Two distinct areas contained evidence of significant archaeological remains. Area A (Field 3- Trenches 10-13) in the northwest of the proposed development contained subcircular features interpreted as possible pits and post‐holes and linear features. Finds from Area A comprised a single lithic tool recovered from a small circular feature suggesting that the assemblage is likely to date to the prehistoric period. Area B (Field 4 &6 – Trenches 38, 40, 48 & 49) located near the eastern boundary of the proposed development contained several sub‐circular features, the most notable of which comprised a large post hole/pit, probably of early date given the similarity of this feature with post holes discovered as part of structures from the 1st and 2nd century AD remains from Culduthel Phase 5. Finds from Area B comprised two iron objects, slag and hammer scale from a small, truncated pit, indicating metalworking was being carried out in the locality. A possible prehistoric date has been suggested for these features. Further isolated sub‐circular features of unknown date and function were discovered in Trenches 30, 42, 43, 62 & 70. Although there was no evidence of rig and furrow, indicative of medieval and early modern cultivation, two sherds of early modern pottery were recovered from the topsoil in Trench 46. This may indicate that the land was manured and cultivated during this period. Furthermore, the majority of trenches in Field 3‐11 contained both rubble and ceramic field drains, suggesting that the site of the proposed development comprises improved farmland that has continued in use from the 18th century to the present day. <1> Excavations were subsequently carried out in Areas A and B - see related event records. <2> Excavation assemblage from the evaluation was submitted to Treasure Trove (TT 38/10) and allocated to Inverness Museum. <3> <4>