EHG6181 - Watching brief - new access road, Scaniport

A second phase of archaeological watching brief was carried out by AOC Archaeology Group in 2024 at Scaniport, Inverness, in advance of the construction of an access road. A previous archaeological evaluation undertaken in 2018 (see EHG5169) had revealed the presence of prehistoric archaeological remains within the development area, with potential for further remains. A first phase of monitoring was carried out in 2021 during the excavation of a new access road but no archaeological features were recorded (see EHG6180). The second phase of work was carried out in February 2024 during which three additional areas were monitored where prehistoric remains were uncovered. Eight archaeological features were identified. The features comprised pit features, which formed no coherent plan and add to 4 archaeological features recorded during the original evaluation. One of the features produced a hardened deposit that contained charcoal and several pieces of struck flint, one of which appeared to be a scraper, along with several fragments of fire-cracked stone. A number of other potential features were identified, but their investigation proved them to be associated with land clearance. Animal burrowing was also noted across the site. A programme of post-excavation analysis was recommended in order to characterise the artefacts and ecofacts recovered during both the evaluation and watching brief phases of work. <1>