EHG5968 - Desk-based assessment and walkover survey - proposed Midfearn Distillery, Easter Fearn

A desk-based assessment and walkover survey were undertaken by Highland Archaeology Services in 2020 in advance of the proposed Midfearn Distillery at Easter Fearn to inform an Environmental Impact Assessment. The Inner Study Area (ISA) comprised the site boundary and a buffer zone extending to 30m beyond the site boundary. The potential for direct, indirect or setting effects upon designated or undesignated assets were considered within this area. The Outer Study Area (OSA) extended to 5km beyond the site boundary and included designated assets within the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV). The potential for effects to the setting of these assets were considered. The assessment predicted that there may be some construction and operational impacts upon known heritage assets from the proposed development. The vast majority of these were considered to be minor negative effects to the setting of designated assets within the Outer Study Area, comprising a long term change to a single aspect of the landscape. A major negative permanent physical impact to a possible (but unconfirmed) prehistoric site within the proposed development site could be mitigated by archaeological evaluation trenching and, if confirmed to be an asset of archaeological significance, changes to landscape design to avoid additional disturbance to the asset. This would result in a moderate benefit effect against the do nothing alternative, as it would allow the asset to be characterised and if necessary protected from future disturbance. The potential minor negative impact of accidental damage to the railway embankment adjacent to the proposed development site could be easily reduced to a negligible impact by fencing off. <1>