EHG5959 - Watching brief - new cabin development, Migdale

A watching brief was carried out by C Dagg in 2022 during topsoil stripping in advance of a small development comprising two cabin,s access footpaths, drainage to a septic tank and soakaway, parking and a turning area at Migdale. Removal of vegetation revealed a surface of peat. This proved to be on average 400mm in depth on the slope and 200-300mm in depth on the more level platform. Within the peat matrix were a large number of medium sized stones, randomly scattered. There was no suggestion that the stones were cleared into piles or placed as a structure. Removal of peat revealed a subsoil surface, with no discernable intervening buried soil profile. The subsoil was for the most part compacted but with pockets of softer material including a grey clay- like fill. Within the subsoil were set a number of large boulders. There was no indication of any features such as pits, trenches or building foundations set into the subsoil. It was recommended that no further archaeological monitoring or investigation should be requied for this development. <1>