EHG4360 - DBA and walkover survey - proposed Spittal Hill II Wind Farm

A desk-based assessment and walkover survey was carried out by AOC Archaeology Group in July 2013 in advance of a proposed wind farm development near Spittal Hill, Caithness. All cultural heritage assests within 1km of the proposed area and all designated sites within 5km were identified and any potential direct or indirect impact were assessed. The walkover survey of the proposed development site was undertaken by AOC in order to relate the existing landscape to research findings and to identify possible hitherto unknown heritage assets. The whole site was systematically surveyed and a photographic record was maintained of all previously known and newly identified heritage assets within the Site. Four SAMs were assessed: the Chapel of Dunn, the Broch at Spittal Farm, the Fairey Hillock chambered cairn and the broch at Knockglass. Impacts on locally significant sites was predicted to be minor, effecting a quarry and a former field marginally although without any significant losses of information content. A watching brief was recommended for certain groundworks near the Chapel of St Magnus, a well, an earthwork bank and three crofts. <1>