EHG5271 - Metal Detecting Survey and Watching Brief - Nairnside, near Culloden

An archaeological Metal Detection survey and Desk Based Assessment was carried out ahead of works to install High and Low Voltage power cable in the vicinity of Cranmore and Blacktown steadings in the Nairnside area south east of Inverness. A watching brief was then undertaken during trenching works to install the cables. This report considers the findings from these three exercises. The site lies close to but not within the designated Battle of Culloden area. There is also significant prehistoric activity in the wider area, including Culchunaig, cairn and standing stone (SM3070)800m to the north east of the development area. The metal detection survey recovered mostly modern material including many pieces of iron and some copper-alloy, but also a metal buckle, possibly a show buckle of 17th century date. Also a heavily worn and unidentified copper alloy coin and a cigarette box, probably 20th century in date. Five trenches were opened and 4 of these contained features. Features 1 and 3 were found to be a modern waterpipe and shallow pit respectively, Feature 2 was found to be natural soil-staining. Feature 4 a shallow circular pit filled with large stones yielded no dating evidence. Nor did Feature 5 which, initially thought to be the remains of a carin, actually seems to be an in-filled natural hollow. Feature 6 comprised 2 parallel walls running in a north-west to south-east direction and creates a substantial field boundary similar in character and orientation to others in the vicinity, all of which follow a broadly similar orientation and are present on the 1902 OS map. There was no laid surface in between the walls and the north-eastern wall was found to be severely tumbled, but constructed of large stones with foundations set directly upon the natural substrate. None of the features or artefacts recorded during this programme are considered to have significant archaeological potential and no further work is recommended. <1>