EHG6311 - Watching brief - Balblair Quarry Phase 3 expansion, Beauly

An archaeological watching brief was carried out by AOC Archaeology Group in 2024 at Balblair Quarry, Wester Balblair, Beauly for the extension of the quarry into the Phase 3 area. Prior to the fieldwork, the area was covered in tree stumps from the recently felled commercial woodland. As a result, the ground conditions were unfavourable for the survival of buried archaeology. Although scattered patches of burnt subsoil with charcoal were identified across the area, only seven features were recorded in-situ across the watching brief area. These included five small pit features, a posthole, and the remants of plough furrow(s).The exact function and age of these features and deposits were not determined. Further montoring will be required for the final area of ground to be cleared along the south boundary of the Phase 3 area. Additionally, a small programme of post-excavation analysis was recommended for the processing of environmental samples and radiocarbon dating. <1>