EHG5726 - Watching brief - quarry extension, Granish Quarry

Archaeological remedial works were carried out by AOC Archaeology Group in 2022 prior to the extension of Granish Quarry, Aviemore. An archaeological evaluation had been required, however, the development area had already been stripped prior to an archaeologist arriving on the site. A remedial site strip was undertaken on the east side of the site where the surface of the natural subsoil did not appear to have been fully impacted. The remains of two prehistoric clearance cairns, which formed part of a field system associated with hut circles towards north, were recorded. It is likely that other clearance cairns within the development area had been removed prior to archaeological monitoring. Post-excavation analysis of the environmental samples was recommended to recover material suitable for dating, and other environmental material related to past activity on the site. An archaeological walkover survey was recommended on land surrounding the quarry, prior to further development to inform any future decisions. <1> Post-excavation analysis was subsequently carried out. A small assemblage of archaeological material was recovered from the site. The programme of post-excavation analysis, including radiocarbon dating, returned a Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age date for both of the clearance cairns, as well as a residual Early Bronze Age date from one clearance cairn. <2>