EHG16 - DBA and Walkover Survey - Cnoc Leamhnachd

An archaeological survey, including desk-based assessment and walk-over survey, was conducted for the WGS proposal at Cnoc Leamhnachd, Sutherland. The desk-based assessment revealed a significant number of archaeological features in the surrounding area, defined by the upper watershed of the River Brora, but nothing of significance within the boundary of the WGS proposal. The walk-over survey identified three areas of archaeological significance; including a prehistoric hut circle and nearby field system plus structures relating to the shieling system. The initial walk-over survey was conducted on the 15th December, and three areas of archaeological signifiance were identified. This was followed by a visit on the 23rd December, when the archaeological structures were recorded and the buffer zones demarcated using yellow marker flags. The weather conditions on the 15th were changeabl, with some light snow falling, and a general covering of 10-15cm of snow on top of deep heather. Much of this snow had cleared by the 23rd, giving ideal conditions for field survey. The archaeological features were visible in more detail on the 23rd and a greater number of individual structures were noted than had previously been noted on the 15th. <1>