EHG6371 - DBA and walkover survey - proposed BESS, Grigorhill, Nairn

An historic environment desk-based assessment and walkover survey were undertaken by Ecus Ltd in 2024 to inform a planning application on land at Grigorhill, Nairn. The proposed scheme was for a standalone Battery Electricity Storage System and associated infrastructure, including fencing and service cables. The site is situated in a landscape which has produced evidence for prehistoric activity, although this activity is concentrated to the north and northeast and does not extend towards the site boundary. Archaeological remains dating to these periods are likely to be limited to stray finds which would be of up to low significance. The site is located within the southwestern extent of the designated area of the Battle of Auldearn Inventory Battlefield (BTL3). The site does form part of the wider agricultural context of the battlefield and it was considered that the proposed development would have an impact on its heritage significance as a contextual change, resulting in a detrimental impact. Given the limited contribution made by the site to the significance of the battle and the experience of the asset, alongside its screened character, in contrast to the open landscape of the main battlefield, it was considered that the level of impact would be minor. The assessment identified the potential for the development to be visible from the Category C Listed Grigorhill (LB1661). With appropriate landscape screening it was considered that any impact would be limited and would not significantly alter the ability to appreciate and understand the heritage significance of the asset. It was anticipated that there would be a higher potential for encountering remains associated with the post-medieval use of the site which would be of negligible significance. Given the nature of the archaeological potential, it was recommended that a programme of evaluation be undertaken as a condition of planning. <1>