EHG6125 - DBA and walkover survey - proposed Nigg Energy Park

Technique(s)

Organisation

AOC Archaeology Group

Date

April 2023

Description

An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey were undertaken by AOC Archaeology Group in 2023 with regard to a proposed development on land 500m North of Nigg Welding School, Nigg, Tain, Highland. The application site has been historically associated with the crofting and fishing settlement of Balnapaling through the post-medieval and modern periods, with several buildings and field systems associated with this present along the west and south extent of the Application Site. The north area appeared to have not been developed or improved during these periods and comprises mature sand dunes under grass. A 1km Study Area surrounding the Application Site was utilised for the identification of known heritage assets within the vicinity to inform on the type of archaeological remains that could potentially be encountered within the application site. No previously recorded heritages assets were identified within the application site. One Scheduled Monument, one Category B Listed Building, one Category C Listed Building and eighty-eight non-designated assets were recorded within 1km of the application site. The desk-based assessment and walkover survey identified 32 previously unrecorded heritage assets within the application site and a further three immediately adjacent to it to the east and west. These assets comprise the post-medieval and modern remnants of the Balnapaling village and are considered to be of Negligible to Low importance. The assessment established that there was considered to be a Low potential for remains of prehistoric to medieval date within the application site. While agricultural activity may have affected potential for sub-surface archaeological remains of these dates to survive in its south portion, the relatively undisturbed northern portion could offer better potential. The assessment indicated a High potential for remains of post-medieval and modern date, relating predominantly to the domestic and agricultural remains already observed in the south of the site. As noted, the northern area does not appear to have been developed during the post-medieval and modern periods and the potential for remains of these dates in the northern area is Low. It was considered that works relating to the proposed development would have the potential to have a High impact on the known heritage assets within the application site and any unknown archaeological remains surviving at a sub-surface level. It was recommended that a programme of archaeological work would likely be required in advance of any development in order to mitigate against such impacts. At a minimum a programme of non-intrusive and intrusive archaeological works comprising historic building recording and evaluation/excavation would likely be required, with results from these works informing the need for any further works or mitigation. Potential impacts on settings were taken into account with regard to the one Scheduled Monument and two Listed Buildings within the Study Area. The magnitude of impact caused by the proposed development upon their setting would be considered to be at worst Low. Any visibility of the proposed development would be unlikely to materially alter the character of the existing landscape surrounding the assets, or negatively affect the ability to understand and appreciate the assets. As such, no mitigation for settings impacts was considered necessary. The need for any such mitigation would, however, be a matter for the local planning authority. <1>

Sources/Archives (1)

Map

Location

Location Nigg
Grid reference NH 7965 6939 (point) Indicative centroid
Map sheet NH76NE
Geographical Area ROSS AND CROMARTY
Operational Area CAITHNESS SUTHERLAND AND EASTER ROSS
Civil Parish NIGG

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

External Links (0)

Record last edited

Nov 10 2023 3:15PM

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