EHG4641 - DBA and walkover survey - Broadford to Elgol Water Main

An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey was carried out between the 22 September and 14 October 2013 on behalf of Scottish Water Solutions in advance of new water treatment work upgrades at Torrin and Elgol, and a new water main route between Broadford and Elgol, in the Parish of Strath, Skye. The work was undertaken to assess the nature and extent of any archaeology likely to be affected within the areas outlined for the proposed development works and water main route and in order to inform recommendations for the protection and management of any sites recovered. The survey identified a significant number of archaeological sites, many of which are new to the archaeological record. These include farmsteads, shielings, enclosures, boundary dykes and a road bridge of post-medieval date; a possible hut circle and boulder boundary dykes of prehistoric date; and a range of industrial features of post-medieval date relating to the marble quarries in Torrin and Strath Suardal including stretches of the Marble Line railway and associated culverts and bridge abutments, a winch house, and a munitions/dynamite store. Mitigation measures are proposed to safeguard the sites during the establishment of the proposed works. <1>