EHG5674 - Watching brief - new water main, Drynie Park, Muir of Ord

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by West Coast Archaeological Services in 2019 which was required by Scottish Water with respect to the insertion of a new water pipeline at Drynie Park, Muir of Ord. Some areas of the site had been previously disturbed during the construction of the original waterpipe installation, however most of the site was undisturbed and situated across grassy pastural fields. A total of six pit features were recorded. These features had been severely truncated, situated as they were on existing agricultural fields. One pit appeared to be a refuse pit containing hearth waste material and is likely to be prehistoric in date. Whilst the additional five pits were of indeterminate function and date, there is a strong possibility they are the remnants of prehistoric features, situated as they are in a landscape rich in prehistoric archaeological mortuary monuments. Any additional developments in the area should be aware that there is good potential for the preservation of further archaeology below the ploughsoil horizon. Post-excavation analysis of the soil samples collected from the features was recommended in order to recover material for radiocarbon dating. This will enable a chronology for the features to be established. <1>