EHG6227 - Watching brief - GI works, Beauly Sub-Station, Fanellan

An archaeological watching brief was carried out by AOC Archaeology Group in 2023 with regards to geotechnical investigations to inform site selection and future design for the Beauly Area 400 kV Substation and Western Isles HVDC Converter located at Fanellan, Beauly, near Inverness. A total of 75 proposed test pits were monitored, 13 of which were relocated due to either archaeological features or geotechnical reasons. As a result, a final total of 88 locations were archaeologically monitored. Test Pits 24, 28.1, 43, 47 and 59 all contained archaeological features, this included four possible postholes, a pit, and a linear feature of unknown function. All features were recorded in situ and remained unexcavated as it was not necessary to do so as the test pit locations were moved in response. Due to the presence of archaeological features, it was recommended that any future grounding-breaking works within the development area are subject to archaeological monitoring. <1>