EHG2821 - Landscape survey - Strath Suardal, Isle of Skye

As part of the High Pasture Cave project, an extensive landscape survey of Strath Suardal was initiated during the 2007 season. This was to take in the tract of land, enclosed by mountains to the northwest and hills to the southeast, which lies between Loch Slapin 1.5km to the southwest of the High Pasture Site, and Broadford Bay some 6.5km to the northeast. The survey aimed to identify and record all visible archaeological sites and associated enclosures and boundaries. Work in 2007 saw the completion of the desk-based assessment and a start made on the walkover survey. Initial results demonstrated that significant areas of prehistoric landscape survive, particularly on the southeast side of the strath. <1> Survey during the 2008 season was mainly concentrated on the western end of Strath Suardal, while a small area at the eastern end was completed after the High Pasture site closed at the end of September. A number of new sites of later prehistoric date were recorded, including field boundaries as evidence of a highly organised farming community supporting the High Pasture site during the late Bronze Age and Iron Age. <2> There was no survey work carried out in 2009. Survey resumed in the final 2010 seaon, with fieldwork concluding by the end of June. In total, and after all seasons of survey work, a further 71 sites, of which 21 were thought to be structures contemporary with activities at High Pasture Cave, were recorded. A targeted campaign of test pitting was subsequently carried out at 31 of the 32 circular structures thought to be contemporary with the main period of activity at the cave site (see EHG). <3>