EHG6071 - Watching brief and excavation - proposed development, Kilvannie

An archaeological watching brief was carried out by AOC Archaeology Group in 2023 in order to fulfil a planning condition requirement for the demolition of outbuildings and the erection of new extensions and a separate annex at Kilvannie Manor, Fodderty, Strathpeffer. The requirement had arisen due to the presence of two prehistoric standing stones situated on the east and west side of the manor house, which indicated the potential for buried archaeological remains. Archaeological monitoring and subsequent excavation work was carried out on a series of site visits 27th February to 1st March 2023, followed by strip, map and sample excavation between 5th to 7th April 2023 and 17th to 21st April 2023 where a single area was stripped of topsoil material. Site clearance revealed approximately one-third of a deep ditch encircling the location of the eastern standing stone. It was interpreted as a small prehistoric henge site that contained the remains of possible displaced standing stones. The site looked to have been landscaped within more recent history resulting widespread disruption to the upper stratigraphy of the site. A further significant feature located against the henge ditch, was interpreted as a grain drying kiln of possible prehistoric date. Several large rotary quern fragments had been reused as slabbing in the kiln pit. A programme of post-excavation analysis will be required to complete the archaeological programme. <1>