EHG6514 - Trial trenching - cropmark, Wester Moy (LT14 Western Isles Mainland Cable Lot 3 Early and Main Phase Works)

An archaeological trial trenching evaluation was undertaken by AOC Archaeology Group in 2025 at a previously identified heritage asset at Wester Moy (HER No. MHG7891), comprising a cropmark located within arable fields to the northeast of Wester Moy Farm. The programme of archaeological works was carried out as advance works on behalf of Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) in respect to the LT14 Western Isles: Mainland Cable Route. The targeted evaluation of two trenches confirmed the presence of a large ring ditch measuring approximately 18m in diameter externally. Two slots were excavated within the ditch, revealing a cut feature up to 3.5m wide and at least 1.4m deep with a V-shaped profile. Numerous fragments of prehistoric pottery were recovered from one slot. The Wester Moy area contains a range of prehistoric and later archaeological evidence. Both aerial imagery and the results of the evaluation indicated that this site MHG7891 is likely to represent a henge monument. This interpretation was supported by the presence of a comparable monument in the wider landscape, namely the Achilty henge (MHG7792). Given the location of the henge monument within the proposed cable route corridor, development works would directly impact the archaeological remains. As such further mitigation works in the form of further excavation would likely be required. <1>