EHG3271 - Trial trenching - proposed ASDA store Slackbuie, Inverness

NG Archaeology Services carried out trial trenching on the site of a proposed new ASDA superstore at Slackbuie, Inverness in 2009. A 5% evaluation of the development site was conducted, with the mechanical removal of topsoil to an archaeological horizon monitored by an archaeologist. As the site was approximately 4 hectares, 5% of this equated to 1000 linear metres of trenching using a 2m toothless bucket. Twelve trenches were excavated. This phase of work identified archaeological remains in trenches 4, 5, 6 and 10 and in consultation with Highland Council and with agreement with the client, a programme of open area excavation subsequently took place into 2010 in relation to these key areas. Additional extensions were carried out to form Areas 14, 15, 16 and 17. Following the initial Trial Trenching and extended excavations, further test pits were required for the coming construction phase. Although no archaeological features were noted, these Test Trenches supported the presence of human activity across the whole of the site, as seen in the heat-affected sand, flecks of charcoal and single flint find. No archaeological features were uncovered during this phase. Nevertheless, the geological stratifications and composition of the test pits may provide some interest. <1> Specialist finds assessment report. <2> A watching brief on a number of areas was also subsequently carried out (see EHG4763).