EHG6430 - Trial trenching - proposed Gaelic language centre, Flodigarry

A trial trenching evaluation was undertaken by Highland Archaeology Services in 2025 at Flodigarry on the Isle of Skye, to satisfy a planning condition in advance of the development of a proposed Gaelic Language Centre. Fieldwork was undertaken between 23rd and 26th June 2025. The work took place in a variety of conditions from heavy rain showers to sunshine. During a walkover survey (see EHG6429) five possible archaeological features were recorded. Ten trenches were opened during the evaluation, three of which targeted the features recorded during the walkover survey in order to characterise these. In addition, a midden and a possible stone surface were uncovered and recorded. A memorial cairn was not targeted as it was a modern feature. It was considered that the trenches provided a good overview of the site and demonstrated that buried archaeological remains were confined to the area just outside the possible door to the structure. These were recorded and therefore no further fieldwork was recommended. <1> The shell from the midden was wet sieved and quantified. It was comprised entirely of limpets and periwinkles with the majority identified as limpets (80%) and the remaining 20%, periwinkles. The large variety of sizes of shells suggested that these shells were more likely to have been collected for bait rather than for consumption. <2>