EHG3457 - Excavation, Balmakeith Industrial Estate, Nairn

Following an archaeological evaluation by CFA Archaeology Ltd in 2008, three areas were targeted for further investigation by means of Strip, Map and Sample, totally approximately 6250 sq metres. One linear ditch and two probable pits were exposed in Area 1. Four large and five small linear features, along with eight small pit features were uncovered within Area 2. Area 3 contained nine large spreads, eighteen linear or curvilinear features, three large pits and ninety small pits or postholes. Headland Archaeology Ltd was appointed to fully characterise and record the archaeological features. The majority of the features were tentatively assigned to the medieval/post medieval periods and would appear to relate to a field system and general quarrying activity. Three features yielded early prehistoric finds, including 11 sherds from a Bronze Age cooking vessel, and it is possible that some of the undated features relate to activity in the later prehistoric or early historic periods. <1>-<3> The excavation assemblage from the site was submitted to Treasure Trove (TT 146/12). It was allocated to Aberdeen University Museums. <4>