EHG5318 - Trial Trenching - A9 Berriedale Braes, Berriedale, Caithness

An archaeological evaluation carried out in advance of improvement works to the existing A9 road. The evaluation was required in order to inform Transport Scotland in advance of construction works of the archaeological potential of two heritage assets within the proposed road route; a possible crofting township and an unroofed structure. Fieldwork was carried out between 11th and 16th November 2017. Twelve trenches were excavated across the township site and two trenches were excavated across the unroofed structure. No archaeological remains were encountered with the possible township boundary. Evaluation of the unroofed structure uncovered a well preserved cobbled floor with drains likely representing use as a post-medieval animal byre. The structure had been resurfaced with concrete flooring during a later stage, which, to judge by the historical mapping occurred c.1900. <1>