EHG6105 - Trial trenching - proposed Brewery Visitor Centre, Retail Park, Inverness

Archaeological trial trenching was undertaken by Highland Archaeology Services in 2023 in advance of the development of a Brewery and Visitor Centre at Inverness Retail Park. A series of 22 trenches were opened across 18,517m² in order assess the archaeological character of the proposed development site. Twenty of these measured 30m by 2m whilst the other two were 4m by 15m in order to target geophysical anomalies which were highlighted during a survey conducted in 1993 (see EHG). Over the course of the trial trenching several post-medieval linear features (possibly furrow marks) were uncovered, as well as a series of burnt pits - one of which had several stake holes around and underneath. It was considered possible that these pits were prehistoric in date. Apart from these noted features, the rest of the site was archeologically sterile, likely due to modern agricultural and industrial disturbances. Due to this, no excavation phase was proposed. However, as survival of archaeological features had been demonstrated and the potential of the site remained high, an archaeological watching brief during groundbreaking works was recommended. If possible, the samples taken from both burnt pits could be sent for radiocarbon dating to gauge a more accurate date. <1>