EHG5903 - Historic building recording - Coire Glas, Spean Bridge

A programme of historic building recording and topographic survey was undertaken by Headland Archaeology in 2022 at Coire Glas, Kilfinnan, Spean Bridge, Highlands. The work has been carried out in response to a planning condition placed on the proposed development of a pumped storage hydro scheme at the site by the Scottish Government (planning ref ECU00000577). Impacts associated with the initial Exploratory Works package of the scheme identified potential risk of damage to four heritage assets (Sites 6, 14, 15 and 16) identified in the Cultural Heritage chapter of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). A Level 1 Historic Building Recording (HBR) was successfully completed of Site 6 in accordance with the approved written scheme of investigation (WSI). Site 14 no longer survived as a recognisable structure although an appropriate record of the remains was made. Site 15 no longer survived, and a topographical survey was completed of Site 16 in accordance with the WSI. Two previously unrecorded features (HA1 and HA2) that could potentially be impacted by the works were also recorded during the site visit. The HBR survey of Site 6 identified this was an early 19th century house/farmstead with potentially earlier origins. The house had two rooms with a loft room above. It was in a poor condition with no phasing identified. Site 14 (sheepfold only) survived as a scatter of large rocks with no form or identifiable shape. Site 15 had been replaced by a modern composting toilet. A long linear track was identified in the location of Site 16, although mapping evidence indicated that this was constructed in the 1960’s partially along the same alignment as the earlier 19th century mapped tracks. No evidence for any of these earlier tracks was identified. The sources consulted in the preparation of this report and observations made on site indicate that Site HA1 house may have been earlier or contemporary with Site 6. Only the lower courses of this smaller and more basic structure survived. Site HA2 was an unmapped length of stone wall of unknown date. This written, drawn and photographic record serves as a permanent record of the features and presents a description of the history of the site and its heritage significance. <1>