EHG6321 - DBA and walkover survey - proposed Strathrory Wind Farm

A desk-based assessment and walkover survey were undertaken by Headland Archaeology in 2020 in order to inform an environmental impact assessment for a proposed wind farm at Strathrory, near Ardross. The site walkover was undertaken on the 22nd January 2020. One archaeologist surveyed turbine locations and the route of all proposed access tracks and associated infrastructure (compounds, borrow pits and hard standing areas). Known heritage assets at risk of direct impacts were also visited to inform a judgment of their condition, extent and significance. The distribution patterns of known archaeology in the wider study areas indicated some potential for archaeological deposits in the area. However, the Inner Study Area (ISA) had been subject to several surveys and investigations of historic mapping and only five heritage assets had been identified. It was therefore considered that the ISA was of negligible archaeological potential and that the presence of previously unknown archaeological deposits was highly unlikely. Therefore, trial trenching in advance of construction was not considered to be appropriate. However, the exact nature and location of any archaeological works would be determined following consultations with THC-HET, and the subsequent production of a Written Scheme of Investigation detailing those works. <1>