EHG6192 - Excavation - proposed transmitter mast, The Ord, Lairg

A small scale rescue excavation was undertaken by M.J. Yates in 1977 prior to the proposed construction of a new BBC transmitter near the summit of the Ord, Lairg, Sutherland. The wealth of archaeological features on the Ord had long been recognised and, even though the transmitter site had been selected so as to avoid the more obvious monuments, there were genuine concerns that important remains might be destroyed. With funds from the Ancient Monuments Branch of the Scottish Development Department (now Historic Scotland), a small excavation was carried out in March 1977. Before excavation there was clear evidence of ridge cultivation preserved predominantly in the vegetation. A faint stony bank which ran towards the chambered tomb passed the transmitter site to the south and the excavation area was extended to include a section across this feature. In all, a little under 60 square metres were excavated. The work identified evidence of narrow cultivation ridges beneath a later phase of broader ridges. These undated features were set within an extensive complex of monuments dating from the Neolithic to recent times. Improved access for construction of the transmitter and subsequent maintenance was also planned and the opportunity was, therefore, taken to survey the area from the transmitter site to the public highway, focusing on the existing trackway. The following year the BBC provided further funds which allowed the survey area to be extended to the south (see EHG6193). <1> <2>