EHG4898 - Trial Trenching - Sealky Head to Mybster HVDC Link

A programme of archaeological mitigation works was carried out by CFA Archaeology Ltd in 2015 prior to the installation of an underground high voltage direct current (HVDC) cable from the substation at Spittal, Caithness to the landfall point at Noss Point, 5km northeast of Wick, Caithness. Four sites (Site 218, 229, 230 & 231) in particular lay directly along the route of the development where micrositing was not an option. These sites were subject to trial trenching evaluation prior to construction. In addition a watching brief was carried out at three bell-mouths where access tracks for the cable works connected to existing roads. This included test pitting for services, topsoil stripping for the bell mouth construction itself, as well as excavations for the installation of additional drainage. <1>