EHG5808 - DBA and walkover survey - water main rehab, Balachladich and Achnacarnin, Assynt

A desk-based assessment and walkover survey were carried out by West Coast Archaeological Services in 2020 on behalf of Scottish Water Solutions in advance of replacement of water mains and associated works at Balachladich and Achnacarnin, Assynt, Sutherland. The work was undertaken to assess the nature and extent of any archaeological sites likely to be affected within the areas outlined for the proposed development works and pipeline route and in order to inform recommendations for the protection and management of any sites recovered. The desk-based assessment and in particular the investigation of aerial imagery covering the areas, identified a significant number of archaeological sites in close proximity to the proposed works, while a number of new sites were recorded during the walkover survey. The sites included boundary and enclosure dykes, clearance cairns, and structures of post-medieval date, forming a part of the settlements of Balachladich and Achnacarnin. Mitigation measures were proposed to safeguard the sites during the development works. <1>