EHG5936 - DBA and walkover survey - Water Main Rehab, RCI Hilliclay DMA (Stainland), Thurso RCI Hilliclay DMA (Stainland) Water

A desk-based assessment and walkover survey was carried out by West Coast Archaeological Services in 2022 on behalf of Scottish Water in advance of a water main rehab scheme located to the southeast of Thurso and centred on Weydale and Hilliclay, Caithness. 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 water main rehab project, especially where an open cut trench will be excavated for the new pipeline, and in order to inform recommendations for the protection and management of any sites recovered. The desk-based assessment and investigation of aerial imagery covering the areas, identified a number of archaeological sites in close proximity to the proposed works, while the walkover survey confirmed the presence of these sites and identified new sites. The recovered sites included stone and flag dykes. The archaeological features date to the post-medieval period and relate to farming settlements and agricultural improvements in the area. Mitigation measures have been proposed to safeguard the sites during the development works. <1>