EHG6333 - Trial trenching - proposed mixed-use development, Delnies, Nairn

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by AOC Archaeology Group in 2024 at Denies, Nairn, as part of a planning condition in relation to a mixed-use development. The development proposal included the construction of 300 houses, tourism, heritage, equestrian and ecological centres, hotel and conference facilities, championship golf course, clubhouse and golf academy, community woodland and country park, and associated infrastructure. The archaeological evaluation was required as the site lies within an area with a high potential for significant archaeological remains to survive. The fieldwork was carried out during September and October 2024 and comprised 170 trenches equal to 20,500m², covering over 9% of the available development area. Archaeological features were found in 12 trenches and consisted of fairly shallow pits and slots, and a possible paleochannel, many of which appeared to be prehistoric in date. Only one feature contained prehistoric ceramic sherds and a small number of features contained visible ecofactual material, indicating the presence of possible fire-pit or hearth features. Extension of trenches and excavation of the archaeological features showed in both that the extent of the archaeological remains were confined to small areas of the site. A small programme of post-excavation analysis was recommended. <1>