EHG5489 - Trial trenching - Culchunaig Farmhouse, Westhill

An archaeological evaluation by way of trial trenching was carried out by AOC Archaeology Group 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. Nine trenches were excavated across the accessible parts of the development site, sampling an area totalling 337m² of the total 5,898m². The ephemeral remains of a wall, postholes and soakaway were uncovered in one trench and a stone field drain was recorded in another trench. The floor and low wall remains of a building were located immediately to the south of the steading. There was evidence across the site that the ground around the steading has been disturbed by its various occupants. The soil bunds have been created through a combination of ground levelling and the creation of a pit for builders’ rubbish. It was clear on the surface that the area where Trenches 7 and 8 were to be excavated was covered in imported material. This was confirmed during the trench excavations; both trenches were filled with a mix of stone, bricks and concrete. It is likely that the bunds on the northern edge of the site were formed or partially formed from the material removed from this area to create a large pit that is now filled with builders’ rubbish. The area where Trench 6 was located was filled with stone either from field clearance, building demolition or a combination of both. 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. A metal detector survey (see EHG5487) and a photographic survey of the standing buildings (see EHG5488) were also undertaken.<1>