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MHG61734 - Hut circle - W of Achnavast

Summary

A hut circle to the west of Achnavast.

Type and Period (1)

Protected Status

Full Description

A hut circle to the west of Achnavast.

A hut circle identified in LiDAR data gathered by AOC Archaeology in 2011 as part of the mitigation for the visual impact on the archaeological landscape associated with the proposed Baillie Hill windfarm, Caithness. Hut circle, one of three closely set circular features. <1>

The site was visited and recorded by topographic survey in 2015 as part of the 'Hidden Bronze Age Landscape of Caithness Project' undertaken by AOC Archaeology Group and members of the Castletown Heritage Society with local volunteers. The project ran as a series of four week-long field schools training volunteers in techniques of field survey, systematic soil sampling and targeted excavation. Fieldwork in week one of the field school (22-27/06/2015) focussed on using LiDAR data in the field, use of GPS to create simple maps of archaeological sites and ground-truthing sites through LiDAR. In week two (13-18/07/2015) participants learned how to create accurate plans using manual taped offset and plane table survey and total station and GPS surveys. Site 51: Roughly circular shaped bank measuring 9.7m EW and 9.4m N-S and survives to a height of 0.3m. There are a number of large stones on the surface and the site has been disrupted in the N due to the erection of a telegraph pole. There is a possible entrance in the SW quadrant and possible facing stone on the SE and the ENE. <2>

The three hut circles are located within an area of cultivation which in the initial data analysis was thought to be associated and prehistoric in origin. However, the very narrow rigs run right up to the three hut circles and may overlie them, especially the westernmost of the three (see MHG61733). It is more likley that the rig is associated with the possible building to the northwest (see MHG61738) [IS-L 03/08/2020].

Sources/Archives (2)

Map

Location

Grid reference	Centred ND 0720 6383 (14m by 14m) (2 map features)
Map sheet	ND06SE
Civil Parish	HALKIRK
Geographical Area	CAITHNESS

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Investigations/Events (2)

External Links (1)