EHG4584 - Watching brief and monitoring - River Ness Flood Alleviation Scheme (Phase I)

A programme of archaeological monitoring and watching brief was undertaken during the construction of new flood defences and re-routing of utilities along the River Ness between the Ness Bridge and Friars Bridge during 2012-2014 on behalf of The Highland Council and Morgan Sindall. Despite there being prior disturbance to ground levels and underlying stratigraphy, fifty-four archaeological features, which included slab-built culverts, pits, building walls, middens and a ditch were identified and recorded. As a result of intense time constraints (e.g. Illus 1), prior disturbance and tidal flooding, most sites were recorded in trench sections, although recording in plan and section was undertaken whenever possible. An assemblage of eighty small finds was recovered and subsequently examined by glass, ceramics and other specialists. The majority of the artefacts consisted of early-mid 19th century glass and ceramic sherds with some earlier objects.<1>