EHG6136 - Watching brief - geotechnical test pits, Castle Roy (Interventions 2 &3)

A watching brief was undertaken by Field Archaeology Specialists (FAS) in 2011 at Castle Roy in advance of a proposed long-term project designed in response to the need for conservation of the monument. Two geotechnical trenches were excavated and reinstated using a tracked mechanical excavator under strict archaeological supervision. Each trench was assigned an intervention number (Intervention 2 and 3) in order to create a structured archive. Intervention 2 was located against the exterior of the northeast wall of the castle c.4.5m to the southeast of the entrance. The trench measured 3.30m x 0.60m and was excavated to a maximum depth of 1.2m below ground level. Intervention 3 was located against the exterior of the northwest wall of the castle. The trench measured 2.75m x 0.60m and was excavated to a maximum depth of 1.10m. No significant primary archaeological deposits requiring hand excavation were identified; all structural remains were left in situ. <1> NOTE: all plans of the site used in the report show the monument c.2.5m away to the north of its position as shown on OS mapping.