EHG5446 - Evaluation - Rainings Stairs, Inverness

Trial trenching was undertaken by Highland Archaeology Services in 2017 in advance of development of land adjacent to Raining Stairs, Inverness. Previous work had identified the charred remains of a possible timber structure, associated with ceramics dated to the C14th and C15th. A total of four trenches were opened covering a total area of 110.7m² or 7.5% or the development area (1478m²). Despite the steeply sloping nature of the site it was clear that a great deal of activity has taken place here. Noticeable were the footings of a recently demolished structure on the top terrace (see Trench 4) as well as large quantities of modern rubbish in the topsoil. This mixed overburden was cleared from each trench using a mechanical excavator under close archaeological supervision. This was particularly challenging on the lowest terrace due to the confined space and the steepness of the slope. The evaluation identified more recent remains as well as some burnt deposits containing medieval ceramics in the lower southwest part of the site. To mitigate the proposed development, it was recommended that a pre-construction excavation be carried out at the foot of the slope. <1> An excavation and watching brief were subsequently undertaken - See EHG5086 For the full evaluation and excavation post-excavation report see <2>