EHG4277 - Trial trenching - Applecross Bay Pier

An archaeological investigation of a C19 pier and its immediate surrounds, consisting of desk-based evaluation, removal of overburden and trial trenching was carried out in 2013 by C Dagg, and N Goldthorpe. It was commissioned by the Applecross Trust for the ALPS Gateway project in order to inform decisions about development of the pier area. Work was restricted to the immediate vicinity of the pier and trackway avoiding any contact with the salt marsh adjacent. The pier walling was found to be in good condition and useful information about the date of construction and usage of the pier was acquired from the trial trenching. Five trenches were excavated: Trench 1 was along the southeast face of the pier; Trenches 2 and three were across the trackway, Trench 4 was along the northeast edge of the trackway and Trench 5 was cut through the grassy mound east of the trackway. A mechanical excavator was used to pull shingle back from the pier wall and remove overburden from the trenches. Excavation then continued by hand until it was considered that the sequence of construction and use was evident; this did not necessarily involve excavation down to natural. Trenches across the trackway were placed where it appeared there would be least disturbance from tree roots or the sewage pipe. <1>