EHG89 - Watching Brief - Ach A'Chorrain nr Durness

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by SUAT in two phases in 1999 on groundworks required for the reconstruction of a telecommunications mast. The excavation for the mast foundation measured 4.6 X 6.6m and was carried out by a JCB 803 mini digger. The turf was stripped off separately followed by the removal of the underlying peat. The excavation continued into the underlying weathered limestone to a final depth. The excavation for the power cable was carried out by a Kubota KH-101 mini excavator with a 0.60m wide toothed bucket. The trench was 30m in length, 0.60m wide and varied between 0.60m and 0.80m in depth. Archaeologically the results were negative as no features or deposits were revealed in the excavated area or on the access route. It was noted during the second visit that nine electricity poles had been erected by Scottish Hydro Electric. These lead up from the road to within 30m of the mast. SUAT Ltd was not informed of this work and the excavations for the poles were probably not monitored. Two minor wall features were recorded close to the development area. These walls were not endangered by the development. <1>