EHG4283 - Trial trenching - Broadford Industrial Estate, Skye

A trial trenching evaluation was undertaken by AOC Archaeology in 2014 in respect to a proposed development at Broadford Industrial Estate, Skye. The development area measured approximately 2.19ha in total. A 7% (1,530 m²) sample of the available area was to be investigated by the evaluation. However the presence of previously unknown services and restricted access reduced the total amount of mechanically excavated trenching to 1,430 m² (650 linear metres) opened across seven evaluation trenches. The development area consisted of recently felled forestry and gorse covered scrubland. The area was covered by a relatively shallow deposit of peaty forest soil. This directly overlay a natural of coarse sands and gravels and grey boulder clay. The sub-soil was heavily truncated and disturbed by forestry activity. Occasional rubble drains were revealed within Areas B and D. No significant archaeological remains were recorded within the development area and no further archaeological works were considered necessary. <1> Note: Not all the trench lengths as shown on the plan in the report are as described. In total they would amount to only 434 linear metres (954.8m²).