EHG6162 - DBA and walkover survey - proposed battery storage facility, Mybster

A desk-based assessment (DBA) and walkover survey were undertaken by AOC Archaeology Group in 2023 for a proposed battery storage facility at Mybster, near Thurso, Caithness. A 1km Study Area surrounding the site was utilised for the identification of known heritage assets within the vicinity that could inform on the type of archaeological remains that could be encountered within the site and its surrounds. There were two Scheduled Monuments in the area, comprising Knockglass Broch (Asset 1) and Ballone Broch (Asset 2). There were no World Heritage Sites, Listed Buildings, Inventory Battlefields, Inventory Gardens and Designed Landscapes or Conservation Areas within the 1km Study Area. In the 19th-20th centuries the site comprised improved ground adjacent to a post-medieval building situated along the main routeway. It was later forested and had been recently felled, which may have impacted upon the survival of any buried archaeological remains. There was considered to be Low potential for any archaeological remains to survive within the site due to modern forestry planting. Any such remains may consist of truncated buried archaeological features or artefacts; and in particular may include remains associated with a post-medieval building recorded on the site. Impacts on the settings of designated heritage assets were considered with regard to the Scheduled Monuments within the 1km Study Area. The magnitude of impact caused by the proposed development upon the setting of these designated heritage assets was considered to be Negligible, at worst, and the proposed development would not have any material impact on their settings. As such, it was considered that no mitigation for settings impacts would be necessary. <1>