EHG3745 - Desk-based Assessment and Building Recording - Fearn Airfield Control Tower

A Level 1 building recording and desk-based assessment were carried out by Highland Archaeology Services in 2012 of the control tower and surrounding area within Fearn Airfield, Easter Ross, formerly known as HMS Owl, to meet a planning condition on development. Two other standing buildings were also recorded; a brick built generator house and a Nissen type hut of brick and asbestos concrete. Hollows and mounds in the grass-grown area around the tower may have indicated the remains of other buildings. Access was obtained to all floors of the control tower (although the 4th floor roof could not be inspected), and to the interior of the Nissen hut, but the store was only recorded from the outside. Notes were made of construction methods and materials, current condition, and features of interest. Of the three buildings examined, only the control tower was of more than local interest. It was noted that there were few remaining fixtures in the control tower, and it was considered doubtful if much more information could be expected from a watching brief on construction works. As a result it was recommended that no further recording is required on the known structures, but a watching brief be carried out on any groundworks in the vicinity might reveal further evidence. <1>