EHG5487 - Metal detector survey - Culchunaig Farmhouse, Westhill

An archaeological metal detector survey, was carried out by AOC Archaeology Group in 2019 at land southwest of Culchunaig Farmhouse, Westhill, in advance of the conversion of an existing steading to form a dwelling house and the erection of outbuildings. No finds were made during the survey, which was hampered by disturbed ground conditions due to the presence of high vegetation and a large volume of modern rubbish. A photographic survey of the standing buildings (see EHG5488) and a trial trenching evaluation (see EHG5489) were also undertaken. In order to maximise coverage, the trenches and spoil were swept with the metal detector during the evaluation phase on 1st April. No signals were picked up from the trench bases or the spoil. Despite the lack of significant remains found, it was recommended that any ground-breaking works are subject to a watching brief and spoil surveyed by a metal detector. <1>