EHG6416 - Trial trenching - proposed housing development, Milton of Leys, Inverness

A trial trenching evaluation was undertaken by AOC Archaeology Group in 2025 ahead of a proposed development on land parcels at Milton of Leys, Inverness. A total of 83 linear trenches (4150 linear metres) were excavated. The evaluation revealed a relatively thin agricultural topsoil ranging from 0.20m – 0.40m in depth which overlaid a yellow clay subsoil of glacial till. The evaluation identified two isolated pit features of probable prehistoric date. The small concentration of archaeological features identified during the previous evaluation conducted on the site in 1998-9 (see EHG5742) were positioned within a service buffer and so remained untested. With the inability to investigate the features recorded in 1999 it is likely that further mitigation in the form of an archaeological watching brief or monitored topsoil strip will be required within this localised area of the site. This recommendation will need to be confirmed by Highland Council Historic Environment Team, who advise on archaeological planning conditions on behalf of Highland Council. <1>