EHG5978 - DBA and walkover survey - Portree-Braes DMA Water Main Rehab, Skye

An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey were carried out by West Coast Archaeological Services in 2023 in advance of a water main rehab scheme located between Portree and Braes on the island of Skye. 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 recorded sites included farmsteads, byres, stone and turf dykes, and rig and furrow cultivation dating to the post-medieval period and relating to farming settlements and agricultural improvements in the area, and a prehistoric hut circle. Mitigation measures were proposed to safeguard the sites during the development works. <1>