EHG5622 - Topographic survey - Staffin Bay, Skye

A topographic survey was undertaken by UHI Archaeology Institute in 2015 in advance of the investigation of a suspected Mesolithic site above the raised beach at the eastern end of Staffin Bay. Mesolithic-type worked stone had been noted at the site for a number of years. All topographic measurements were conducted using a Leica Viva Series GNSS system. This system is connected via a modem to a network streaming real time correction, thus allowing measurements of centimetre level accuracy. The site itself is located on the edge of a steep slope; it consists of a sub-circular platform (a) with possible structural elements which are clearly visible as earthworks. A set of linear features (b) aligned NE-SW across the area between the site and the road. These are likely to represent post-medieval lazy-beds. A stony dyke (c) runn ing along the western edge of the survey, it extends further to the south on the other side of the road. The topographic survey was successful in aiding in visualising the immediate site environs. <1> Geophysical surveys and the excavation of a trial trench and test pits were also undertaken (see EHG5623 and EHG5624).