EHG6318 - DBA and walkover survey - RCI Rychraggan DMA (Balnain) Water Main Rehab, Drumnadrochit

An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey were carried out by West Coast Archaeological Services in 2024 on behalf of Scottish Water in advance of a water main rehab scheme located between Easter Balnagrantach and Rychreggan, Glen Urquhart and to the west of Drumnadrochit. The work was undertaken to assess the nature and extent of any archaeological sites likely to be affected within the areas outlined for the proposed water main rehab project, where an open cut trench would be excavated for the new pipeline, and in order to inform recommendations for the protection and management of any sites recovered. The DBA and investigation of aerial imagery covering the areas, identified a small number of archaeological sites in close proximity to the proposed works, while the walkover survey confirmed the presence of these sites and identified new sites. The recovered sites generally included stone field dykes and roadside revetting dykes, along with a clearance cairn. The archaeological features all dated to the post-medieval period and related to farming settlements and agricultural improvements in the area. Mitigation measures were proposed to safeguard the sites during the development works. This included recommendations for an archaeological watching brief where the water main route was proposed to run in close proximity to Cairn Daley, at Easter Balnagrantach. <1>