EHG6339 - Trial trenching - east of Nigg Energy Park, Nigg

A trial trenching evaluation was carried out by AOC Archaeology Group in 2024 at the proposed site of the Nigg HV cable factory. Fifty-seven trenches were excavated across the development area, with one additional recorded and sampled that was excavated by the groundworks contractor. These identified a small number of dispersed archaeological features, including a shell midden, and several areas of complex buried soil sequences within the former dune system. The watching brief recorded an area of the buried soils in more detail, monitored the machine excavation of a northeastern well site, and collected samples during the demolition of the only surviving roofed cottage. Given the presence of archaeological features and deposits within the development area, and the well-preserved historic structures, it was recommended that all samples be appraised by relevant specialists and any further analysis be undertaken as outlined by them. <1> Post-excavation analysis was undertaken on the samples taken from the C18 cottage during demolition and from the trenches across the site (see EHG6339). The timbers comprised half or quarter pine logs, most still with the bark and with evidence of axe shaping and joinery. At the north end of the area, buried soil and midden deposits were recorded. Soil samples recorded wind-blown sand deposits interleaved with layers of soil development, showing the dynamic nature of the settlement landscape. A total of 290 litres of bulk soil samples were taken from Trenches 18, 28, 29, 50, 51, 55 and 102, including stratified deposits in Trenches 29, 50 and 51 and a shell midden feature in Trench 55. The sample processing programme focused on the samples of stratified deposits which would provide further dating evidence or use of the site. Processing was undertaken by flotation and wet sieving to release all artefacts and ecofacts, making them available for specialist analysis and dating. Ecofacts identification was undertaken and reported on. <2>