EHG4373 - DBA and walkover survey - Duntulm Castle Hotel, Skye

A desk-based assessment and walkover survey was carried out by West Coast Archaeological Services in 2014, on behalf of Firebird Resources and Rural Design Architects, at Duntulm Castle Hotel on the Trotternish peninsula on the Isle of Skye in advance of proposed development works. The work was undertaken to conduct a baseline survey of the upstanding buildings and any archaeological remains within the application area in order to inform a strategy of mitigation to the proposed developments. The fieldwork results produced a record of archaeological structures and features within the site boundaries, which comprise the remains of a walled garden, stone dykes and enclosures, structures relating to the former Duntulm Steadings and Farm, and more ephemeral features of unknown function and origin. It is most likely that these sites relate to post-medieval settlement remains, relating to activities focusing on Duntulm Steadings and the associated farm. Evaluation and recording of the main building and steading complex was not undertaken during the walkover survey and must wait monitoring and watching briefs during the proposed site developments. A strategy of mitigation was recommended in order to safeguard the archaeological remains during the proposed developments, while recommendations were put forward outlining archaeological works to evaluate and record archaeological sites and features which may be impacted upon by the development scheme. <1>