EHG6426 - DBA and walkover survey - proposed Allt an Tuir Energy Farm

A desk-based assessment and site visit were undertaken by Headland Archaeology in 2024 to inform a Cultural Heritage Baseline and Stage 1 Setting Assessment to assess the likely significant effects on cultural heritage for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to support an application for consent to construct a wind farm, solar array and battery storage with associated infrastructure adjacent to the River Caslley to the northwest of Rosehall, Sutherland. The Stage 1 Setting Assessment was to provide an assessment of the contribution to significance made by the setting of heritage assets in order to identify potential historic environment planning constraints. The Proposed Development had been designed to avoid known heritage assets within the site. The Stage 1 Setting Assessment found that there would be no likely significant adverse effects through changes within their setting on the significance of any heritage assets within the site and outer study area (OSA). With the agreement of consultees, setting effects of the proposed development were to be scoped out of the EIA. A visual field survey of the site was undertaken on the 15th and 16th August 2024 in clear weather conditions. Notes were made regarding site characteristics, any visible archaeology and geographical/geological features which may have a bearing on previous land use and archaeological survival, as well as those which may constrain subsequent archaeological investigation. Records were made regarding extant archaeological features, such as earthworks or structural remains, any negative features, local topography and aspect, exposed geology, soils, watercourses, health and safety considerations, surface finds, and any other relevant information. Field visits for the purposes of setting assessment were also undertaken at the same time in clear weather conditions with moderate long-distance visibility. This was considered sufficient for the inspection and assessment of the settings of the selected heritage assets. The site was considered to hold low to negligible archaeological potential for hitherto unknown archaeological remains of all periods. Direct physical construction impacts on previously unknown heritage assets in the site were considered to be very unlikely. Although archaeological potential of the site was considered to be negligible for important archaeological remains, impacts on unexpected archaeological remains could possibly occur during the construction phase. Preservation by record through archaeological monitoring (watching brief) would likely be required over some or all construction groundworks for the proposed development, to be agreed through a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) to be agreed with the planning authority. The scope and nature of additional mitigation will be outlined in a WSI and agreed with the Council’s Historic Environment Team in advance of construction. <1> <2>