EHG6072 - Historic building recording - proposed Whisky Maturation Warehouse Development, Fearn

An historic building recording survey was undertaken by AOC Archaeology Group in 2023 as part of planning consent for an intended development at the site Fearn Airfield. The development would see the erection of new whisky maturation warehouses on the site including cask filling and disgorging facility with associated tank farm, tanker filling bay, welfare facilities, car park and associated infrastructure. The four buildings recorded relate to Fearn Airfield and consisted of a hangar, a barrack block and two bomb shelters and were typical examples of British defensive buildings during the Second World War constructed rapidly from inexpensive materials to a uniform design. They have all now been stripped of their original fixtures and fittings, although the hanger remained in good overall condition having remained in use as a barn for a local farmer. However, the other buildings on the site have suffered due to neglect and damage from the weather, with one bunker being in a particularly poor state due to the deterioration of its protective banking. An ‘Enhanced’ level of historic building recording survey was undertaken on the buildings subject to development. This included a photographic, written and drawn (measured survey) record of the buildings. Additionally, a record of each individual buildings current condition was also made. A general and detailed external and internal photographic record was undertaken of the buildings using a digital SLR to a minimum 24-megapixel resolution where access and health and safety allowed. All significant exterior elevations and internal walls of the structures were photographed both head-on (as much as was possible within the constraints of the site) and oblique, as well as photographs of the building in its setting. Detail shots were also taken of specific features, or examples of features. A detailed measured survey of the buildings, which included external elevations and floor plans, was also required. This measured survey was produced using a combination of a 3D laser scanning using a Trimble X7 laser scanner and drone photogrammetry. These were used to produce a series of scaled drawings to help understand the site these are presented as plans, elevations and cross sections. No further historic building recording works were recommended as being required prior to the development. <1>