EHG6186 - Watching brief - GI works, Coroghan Barn, Canna

A watching brief was undertaken by Highland Archaeology Services in 2023 on ground investigation test pits excavated around Coroghon Barn on the Isle of Canna. The pits were excavated to inform plans by the NTS to renew and extend the barn into a new public building for the island. Work was carried out largely in accordance with the Project Outline prepared by NTS. The Watching brief consisted of 14 test pits around the existing structure. Excavation was undertaken both by hand and with an excavator. Several features of archaeological interest were noted and left in situ. These included a well, drain leading from the well and cobbling. Information concerning the construction of the barn was also ascertained during the test pitting. Finds also include ceramics, glass, and metal objects as well as some animal bone. These are thought to mainly be of 19th and 20th century date and were all recovered from topsoil or insecure layers. All archaeological features noted were preserved in situ. Recommendations were made to further strip and record all the noted features before any building work takes place and for finds to be given to the NTS to return to Canna (these will still be subject to bona vacantia and should still be submitted to Treasure Trove Scotland). <1>