EHG5823 - Trial trenching - enclosure, Balcharn

A trial trenching evaluation was undertaken by Highland Archaeology Services in 2022, commissioned by Wood Group on behalf of their client SSEN, in advance of the development of an agricultural shed in connection with the Lairg to Loch Buidhe OHL replacement. The fieldwork comprised of the excavation of four hand-dug trenches, strategically placed around the circumference of a grass covered rubble bank enclosure. No significant archaeological features or material was uncovered during the evaluation works. Depths of each trench across sections of the grass covered bank enclosure were recorded from the topsoil down to natural. Recordings were taken digitally with photographs and measurements. On speaking to the landowner, the area had previously been occupied by a large shed which had burnt down. The grass covered rubble bank enclosure may have been constructed to house and protect this shed from the elements. As this grass covered rubble bank appears to be associated with the modern shed that was previously located in this area, it is recommended that no further archaeological works are required. <1>