EHG5778 - DBA and walkover survey - Lairg-Loch Buidhe OHL reinforcement

Desk-based assessment and walkover surveys were undertaken by CFA Archaeology in 2017-18 in advance of a proposed Over-Head-Line (OHL) reinforcement project between Lairg and Loch Buidhe by SSE. The work was intended to inform an Environmental Impact Assessment. Initial field survey was carried out between 30th January and 5th February 2017; then, following refinement of the alignment to take into consideration development constraints, additional field survey was carried out between 29th January and 2nd February 2018. The field survey was carried out: to assess the baseline conditions of the known heritage assets identified by the desk-based study; to identify any further features of heritage interest not detected from the desk-based study; to assess the potential for the Inner Study Area to contain currently unrecorded, buried archaeological remains; and to assess the potential effect of the proposed construction works on identified assets. In addition, site visits to assess the character and sensitivity of the settings of the heritage assets in the Outer Study Area were undertaken between 30th January and 5th February 2017. Site visits focused on those heritage assets most likely to receive effects on their settings. Mitigation solutions were recommended for those assets which may be impacted by the proposed works. <1>