EHG3513 - Trial trenching, Grampian Road, Aviemore

A sample evaluation was conducted over a proposed development area in Aviemore by AOC Archaeology Group in 2011. The area was until recently part of a larger area of birch woodland. The evaluation comprised the excavation of six mechanically excavated trial trenches totalling 530m², a 7 percent sample of the previously undisturbed portion of the development area. The presence of substantial tree stumps and roots, the removal of which was carried out by a machine with a toothed bucket, hampered evaluation across much of the site. The trenches measured: Trench 1 - 41m x 2m; Trench 2 - 40m x 2m; Trench 3 - 48m x 2m; Trench 4 - 42m x 2m; Trench 5 48m x 2m and Trench 6 - 46m x 2m. A large linear earthen bank extended into development area from the south-east. This was found to consist of dumped topsoil and redeposited natural subsoil. It was believed that this was the remains of a temporary loading siding, attached to the nearby railway main line, which was in use during World War II for the transport of locally felled timber for the war effort. <1>