EHG461 - Walkover and measured survey - Wester Lairgs, Strathnairn

An archaeological survey was undertaken by Wordsworth Archaeological Services in association with Headland Archaeology in 1999 on part of Wester Lairgs Farm, Strathnairn. This work was carried out prior to proposals to establish a sand and gravel quarry here. An EDM survey was carried out on the 21st May 1999 to record all the visible archaeological features. This took place in unpleasant blustery conditions that included sleet and hail. A second visit was carried out on the 3rd June to check the survey data. The recorded structures and features were all consistent with an C18th mixed farm growing corn, potatoes and keeping stock. It was probably absorbed by the larger settlement to the east at Wester Lairgs when this was converted to a sheep farm, perhaps in the early C19th. The remains were considered significant in that that they did not seem to have been disturbed since the farm was abandoned. The site therefore offered the opportunity to record the complete plan of an C18th farm settlement. The enriched grassland showed that this area had been limed and fertilised since then. The survival of the clearance cairns suggested that it had not been recently ploughed, though it may have been lightly harrowed and reseeded in places. Recommendations were made for the excavation of the features prior to destruction should the proposed quarry receive planning consent. <1>