EHG6300 - Desk-based assessment - presumed aircraft crash site, Forss

An archaeological desk-based assessment was undertaken by Highland Archaeology Services in 2024 ahead of the transport of turbine blades from Scrabster Harbour to Strathy South Windfarm. The assessment was commissioned to investigate the potential presence of a crash site in the proximity of land that may be oversailed by turbine blades. The assessment investigated a variety of sources and confirmed that a Hurricane aircraft from 605 Squadron flying out of RAF Wick did crash near Forss House, and Sergeant Pilot Mainland was killed after ejecting from the aircraft during its descent. It was confirmed that the pilot was subsequently buried at Wick Cemetery, and the site at Forss House is not considered a war grave. The aircraft wreck was also likely to have been recovered from the site. Therefore, no mitigation was recommended. However, there was the potential for public benefit in further recording and dissemination of local accounts. <1>