EHG4043 - DBA and walkover survey - Land to rear of St. Clements school, Tulloch Street

A desk-based assessment (DBA) and walk-over survey were carried out by the AOC Archaeology Group in 2006 as part of a condition on a planning application to erect two retail units, a service yard, and car park at Four Seasons, Dingwall. The aim of the DBA was to identify elements of cultural heritage value that could be affected by the proposed development. Outwith the immediate area, a total of 27 sites were identified as having cultural heritage value, 2 of which are Scheduled Ancient Monuments, and 9 of which are Listed Buildings. A Conservation Area - Dingwall High Street - was also noted. The walk-over survey was carried out on July 26th, and identified the remnants of a red-brick wall which may have been associated with the nearby manse (MHG21801), and a ditch which may have possibly been related to the castle, but otherwise no sites of cultural heritage value were identified within the proposed development area, but it was suggested that due to the close proximity of a Pictish symbol stone (MHG9031), St. Clement's Aisle (MHG9033), and Dingwall Castle (MHG8429) and the ancient thoroughfare to the castle, that the proposed development site could potentially be situated over medieval, if not pre-medieval, archaeological remains. An archaeological evaluation was deemed necessary before any groundbreaking works commenced. <1>