EHG4988 - Test Pitting - Land at Viewhill Farm, Balloch

Test pitting was carried out by Highland Archaeology Services in 2016 at Viewhill, Balloch near Inverness as part of a condition associated with a planning application (Demolition of agricultural buildings, formation of 16 house plots, upgrade of access and associated works). Fifteen 1 metre square test pits were dug by hand at approximately 15 metre intervals in 2 overlapping rows pits along the southern edge of the site. Turf was removed by hand and the topsoil was excavated down to the natural deposit, also by hand. From the test pitting there appeared to be no significant activity on the site prior to modern farming. The poorly sorted nature of the topsoil suggests frequent disturbance, either by cultivation or by vehicle and animal traffic. It was recommended that no further work was required. <1>