EHG6393 - Walkover survey - proposed Bingally 400/132 kV substation, Fasnakyle

A walkover survey was undertaken by AECOM in 2024, in advance of a proposed new substation at Bingally, Fasnakyle within the areas of a proposed access track, substation, and associated works in order to inform an Environmental assessment. The survey found evidence of extensive ground disturbance in most areas resulting from commercial woodland operations that had previously dominated the site, as well as works associated with the construction of the existing access tracks and operational OHL. This included the vast majority of the main works around the proposed substation and SuDS ponds, as well as the access track upgrades. Less disturbance was noted in the area of proposed new access track which runs from approximately NH 34626 30528 in the northeast to NH 32703 28969 in the southwest. This area did not appear to have been subject to commercial forestry operations, with land use limited to pastoral activities, although some areas appeared boggy; no new heritage features were identified. A review of previously recorded heritage assets, as well as historical mapping and documentary sources, suggested that while the landscape of the Study Area had been exploited since the prehistoric period, with evidence of settlement and land improvements from the Iron Age onwards, activity in the upland landscape where the site was located had been largely limited to seasonal agricultural use from the medieval period onwards. While the archaeological potential of the Site was considered to be low, it was recommended that the final route of the proposed access track should be examined, between NGR NH 34626 30528 in the northeast to NH 32703 28969 in the southwest, as this area had not been subject to previous disturbance from commercial forestry. It was also recommended that archaeological monitoring should be undertaken during stripping of the access track in this area, as well as on land adjacent to the former township of Coille an Tuathanaich. It was also recommended that temporary fencing is used to protect any assets that are recorded near to works to avoid accidental damage. Assets requiring fencing should be confirmed once the detailed design is available and a detailed survey of the alignment had been completed. This may include, but not be limited to, a round house and clearance cairns on the access track alignment, as well as any features linked to the former township of Coille an Tuathanaich that may extend into the Site, however all mitigation should be agreed with the Highland Council Archaeological Advisor. Significant impacts on the setting of heritage assets were not predicted due to aspects such as topography, existing screening, and the distance between the Site and designated assets. <1>