West Coast Archaeological Services

Proposed Houses, Flodigarry

Isle of Skye

Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

James MacQueen Building Client Contractors Ltd Planning Reference 14/03630/FUL National Grid Reference NG 46275 72022 WCAS report No. Prepared by L. Stirling Checked by L. Fraser Date 17/01/17

Tel: 01381 600726 Mobile: 07867 651886 Email: [email protected] Proposed Houses, Flodigarry, : Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction ...... 3 2.0 Site location...... 3 3.0 Archaeological Background ...... 3 4.0 Objectives...... 6 5.0 Methodology ...... 6 6.0 Desk-Based Assessment ...... 6 7.0 Results ...... 10 8.0 Recommendations ...... 10 9.0 References ...... 12

List of Figures

Figure 1: Location of the development site Figure 2: The proposed development site (Courtesy of Client) Figure 3: Extract from the 1st edition OS map Figure 4: Extract from the 2nd edition OS map Figure 5: Site plan showing the location of archaeological sites

List of Plates

Plate 1: General view across the house plot locations, facing SSE Plate 2: A section of stone dyke under bracken, facing SSW Plate 3: Close up of a section of stone dyke showing construction, facing E

Appendices

Appendix 1: List of Survey Photographs

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Proposed Houses, Flodigarry, Isle of Skye: Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

1.0 Introduction

1.1 An archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey was carried out on behalf of James MacQueen Building Contractors Ltd in relation to construction of new houses at Flodigarry on the Isle of Skye. The development site, consisting of three house plots and an access track, is located on the Peninsula in the north of the Isle of Skye (Figures 1; 2). Flodigarry lies within the administration of the Council and is advised on archaeological matters by the Historic Environment Team (HET).

1.2 A specification from the Highland Council Planning Department (Reference 14/03630/FUL) had been for an archaeological evaluation. However, the walkover survey revealed that the plots were located on ground with poor archaeological potential, consisting of a thin soil layer overlying bedrock. As a result, recommendations from the contractor to dismiss the evaluation requirement were agreed by the HET archaeologist.

1.3 The desk-based assessment and walkover survey were recommended in keeping with the policies outlined in Scottish Planning Policy (2014) and PAN 2/2011 Planning and Archaeology (2011).

2.0 Site location

2.1 Flodigarry is located on the northeast coast of the Trotternish Peninsula, 22 miles north of on the Isle of Skye. The house plots are located to the east of the A855 close to the Dun Flodigarry Hostel (Figures 1; 2). The site comprises mostly open rough ground with bracken and some small trees.

3.0 Archaeological Background

3.1 Flodigarry lies within a rich archaeological landscape of prehistoric and post-medieval remains. Although there are no previously recorded features within the development site, the remains of a dun, broch and post-medieval township are within 250m of the site. In addition, there are a number of historic buildings including the Flodigarry hotel and Flora Macdonald’s Cottage nearby.

3.2 Two watching briefs have been carried out in the nearby area by Martin Wildgoose for a new telephone mast and the construction of holiday cottages (Wildgoose 1999; 2009). No archaeological remains were encountered during either of these investigations.

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Proposed Houses, Flodigarry, Isle of Skye: Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

Figure 1: Location of the development site

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Figure 2: The proposed development site (Plan supplied by the client)

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4.0 Objectives

4.1 To assess the nature of the archaeological context and landscape of the development site at Flodigarry using all the available sources and material.

4.2 To assess the impact of the proposed development in relation to the archaeological landscape.

4.3 To propose mitigation recommendations in advance of the development in order to safeguard any significant archaeology and to minimise delays to the works programme.

5.0 Methodology

5.1 Desk-Based Assessment

5.1.1 A desk-based assessment was conducted prior the start of works in order to assess the archaeological potential of the area based on previously recorded sites and any historical documentation. A full check of all available historical and archaeological records, aerial photographs and historical maps was carried out using the Highland Historic Environment Record (HHER), the National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE), Ordnance Survey Name Books, Historic Environment ’s databases, the National Library of Scotland, statistical accounts and other available records, literary sources or online resources about the site. This work was conducted in accordance with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Standards and guidance for historic environment desk-based assessments (CIfA 2014).

5.2 Walkover Survey

5.2.1 The site of the proposed houses was systematically walked by an archaeologist. Archaeological sites were recorded using written descriptions and high resolution photography and their locations were recorded using a Trimble GPS capable of centimetre accuracy. Survey and recording methods recommended by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland (2004) were employed and all work was carried out in adherence to the CIfA Code of Conduct (2014).

6.0 Desk-Based Assessment

6.1 Historic Environment Records

6.1.1. An online search of the Highland Historic Environment Record (HHER) and the National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) was carried out. No sites were identified within the development area. Within 500m of the site there are eight known sites, including two scheduled monuments, the majority of which are either prehistoric or post-medieval.

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Proposed Houses, Flodigarry, Isle of Skye: Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

6.1.2 The following sites were noted in the Flodigarry area:

a) Canmore ID 11387 HHER nos. MHG43351, MHG43349, MHG17351 NG 46450 71850 Possible Township, Tobar Kiltavie, Flodigarry Kildorais in Flodigarry is noted by the NSA (1845) as one of the Cills of Kilmuir, and of pre-Viking date. It is listed by Cockburn as Kildavie Chapel, Flodigarry. There is a Tobar Kiltavie on the OS 6"map (Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire, 2nd ed., 1904). Immediately to the east of the Flodigarry House Hotel, in a little hollow in the hillside, is the spring known as Tobar Kiltavie. The hotel proprietress confirmed the name of the spring, but could not indicate the site of the chapel. A perambulation of the area was negative. No depopulation in the form of ruined houses was seen in the area.

b) Canmore ID 11390 HHER nos. MHG5217 NG 46415 71851 Flodigarry Hotel One of Skye's substantial Victorian lodges sheltered by wooded policies beneath the massive basalt ramparts of the . Built for Maj. R. Macdonald, the crow-stepped block of flinty rubble is 'offset' by a mock-fortified billiard room wing of 1895, decorated in the Moorish style. Maj. Macdonald was a descendant of Flora Macdonald, whose early married home here (from 1751-64) was probably the core of Flodigarry Cottage, a pair of now largely 19th-century dwellings, refurbished late 20th century.

c) Canmore ID 11391 HHER nos. MHG5216 NG 46407 71906 Flora Macdonald’s Cottage, Category C Listed Building 7242 An early 19th century single storey and attic pair of cottages, 5 wide bays with doors in outer bays. Harled walls with 12-pane glazing, a pair of symmetrical ridge stacks, pie- ended slate roof and wings to the rear. Possibly has an earlier core which was the home of Flora Macdonald before her marriage.

d) Canmore ID 114799 HHER nos. MHG26027 NG 46450 71900 Flodigarry, Buildings and enclosure One roofed building which is Flora MacDonald's cottage, three unroofed buildings and one enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Inverness-shire, Isle of Skye 1878, sheet iv). Six roofed buildings of which one is Flora MacDonald's cottage and one is Flodigarry Hotel and two unroofed buildings are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1966).

e) Canmore ID 114802 HHER nos. MHG26030 NG 45950 71710 Flodigarry, Enclosure An enclosure attached to a head-dyke is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Inverness-shire, Isle of Skye 1878, sheet iv) and on the current edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1966). f) Canmore ID n/a HHER nos. MHG5219 NG 46269 72210 Turf and stone enclosure, west of Druin nan Slochd

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Proposed Houses, Flodigarry, Isle of Skye: Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

A walkover survey took place prior to a watching brief on land west of Druim nan Slochd. A small, round cornered, turf and stone enclosure was recorded at the foot of the slope some 5 metres outside the development site boundary. The visible remains measure 5 metres NW-SE by 4 metres NE-SW over walls spread to c.1.5 metres wide. A possible door opening c.1 metre wide lies in the centre of the SW facing wall. This is possibly a pen or bothy. A small length of turf boundary runs up the slope to the north.

6.1.3 The following Scheduled Ancient Monuments were within close proximity to the development site:

g) Canmore ID 11389 HHER nos. MHG5218 SM6755 NG 46350 72140 Druim Nan Slochd, Dun The remains of a small dun occupy the top of a crag overlooking Dun Flodigarry. It is sub-rectangular in plan, approximately 25.5m by 15.5m; the highest surviving walling consists of four courses of large stones, about 2m high. Several internal features are visible, including what appears to be an entrance to a mural cell. A watching brief to the west of this site, at the foot of the slope, identified no archaeological features or finds. This was surprising as it was anticipated that a scatter of midden material could be present on the slopes below the dun.

h) Canmore ID 11388 HHER nos. MHG5219 SM6754 NG 46390 71960 Dun Flodigarry Broch This broch occupies a small outcrop in the garden of the Flodigarry Hotel, in the far north of Skye. Excavation revealed the circular shape of the internal living space and a complex series of galleries and cells within the drystone walls. There was no walling on the east side, so it is possible that the broch was never completed. There were few finds from the excavation. They included sherds of coarse, locally made pottery and a single sherd of samian ware, which suggests contact with the Roman world. A rubbish dump of animal bone and limpet shells was found in the entrance passage.

6.2 Historical Mapping

6.2.1 First Edition OS 6-inch-to-the-mile Inverness-shire (Isle of Skye), Sheet IV & IVA (includes: Kilmuir) Survey Date: 1875-77 Publication Date: 1878 The map shows the development site as rough open ground near Flodigarry House and Tobar Kiltavie where a number of sheepfolds and enclosures are also marked.

6.2.2 Second Edition OS 6-inch-to-the-mile Inverness-shire – Isle of Skye Sheet IV & IVa (includes: Kilmuir) Publication Date: 1904 Date revised: 1901 There is only change to the 1st edition map is the buildings around Flodigarry house have expanded and the sheepfold is no longer marked.

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Proposed Houses, Flodigarry, Isle of Skye: Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

Figure 3: Extract from the 1st edition OS map

Figure 4: Extract from the 2nd edition OS map 9

Proposed Houses, Flodigarry, Isle of Skye: Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

6.3 Other Literary Sources

6.3.1 The New Statistical Account of Scotland (1834-45) for the Parish of Kilmuir briefly mentions the ‘ancient house’ at Flodigarry and gives some historical information on Flora Macdonald who lived at Flodigarry upon her marriage to Allan Macdonald. In the section upon antiquities the writer makes mention of several duns in the parish although does not mention Druim nan Slochd at Flodigarry.

7.0 Results

7.1 The survey was carried out on 6th December 2016. Conditions were overcast with some rain but overall visibility was good. Vegetation cover on the site was bracken, small trees, grass and heather with some redeposited stone and soil in hollows. In some places bedrock mounds were visible.

7.2 The only upstanding archaeological features observed on site were four sections of turf and stone built dykes (Figure 5; Plates 2-3). The walls measured 2.5m wide at the base and 1m wide at the top and stood up to 1.3m high. Large boulders in the wall construction appeared to follow the break of slope. These dykes may be part of a post-medieval enclosure and field system.

7.3 During the survey it was observed that several test pits had been excavated on the house plots to the level of the subsoil. The exposures revealed a thin soil horizon overlying bedrock. There was no artefactual material noted in the spoil.

8.0 Recommendations

8.1 The desk-based assessment indicated that although the development site lies within a prehistoric and post-medieval landscape, previous watching briefs at nearby locations did not reveal any subsurface archaeological features. The walkover survey on this development site observed only the remains of a turf and stone dyke, which was located on the periphery of a post-medieval enclosure and field system. The site itself is located near the edge of a cliff.

8.2 The development would impact upon one already-truncated section of the dyke. However, archaeological monitoring of this would provide limited information about the site. Therefore, due to the ground conditions and site location, archaeological evaluation is not required and no further works are recommended.

8.3 There remains a small possibility that unexpected buried archaeological features may be discovered during development. It is imperative that an archaeological consultant is contacted immediately in this event.

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Proposed Houses, Flodigarry, Isle of Skye: Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

Figure 5: Site plan showing the location of the archaeological sites 11

Proposed Houses, Flodigarry, Isle of Skye: Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

9.0 References

National Record of the Historic Environment. 2017. Accessed online on 17th January 2017 at: http://www.canmore.org.uk/

National Library of Scotland. 2017. Assorted maps. Accessed online on 17th January 2017 at: http://maps.nls.uk

Scottish Government. 2010. Scottish Planning Policy.

Scottish Government. 2011. PAN 2/2011 Planning and Archaeology.

The Statistical Accounts of Scotland. 2017. Accessed online on 17th January 2017 at http://www.stat-acc-scot.edina.ac.uk

Wildgoose, M. 1999. Flodigarry BT relay mast, Skye (Kilmuir parish), watching brief. Discovery and Excavation Scotland, 1999.

Wildgoose, M. 2009. Dun Flodigarry, Highland (Kilmuir parish) watching brief. Discovery and Excavation Scotland, New, vol.10. 2009.

Plate 1: General view across the house plot locations, facing SSE

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Proposed Houses, Flodigarry, Isle of Skye: Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

Plate 2: A section of stone dyke under bracken, facing SSW

Plate 3: Close up of a section of stone dyke showing construction, facing E

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Proposed Houses, Flodigarry, Isle of Skye: Archaeological Walkover Survey Report

Appendix 1: List of survey photographs

Photo Direction Taken Description Date No. Facing By General view overlooking the 1 SW SB 06/12/2016 development site General view overlooking the 2 WSW SB 06/12/2016 development site View from the road 3 SSW SB 06/12/2016 overlooking stone dyke 4 Dyke and stone E SB 06/12/2016 General view overlooking the 5 NW SB 06/12/2016 development site General view overlooking the 6 NNW SB 06/12/2016 development site General view overlooking the 7 N SB 06/12/2016 development site General view overlooking the 8 NNE SB 06/12/2016 development site General view overlooking the 9 NE SB 06/12/2016 development site General view showing house 10 SSE SB 06/12/2016 plot location General view showing house 11 SSE SB 06/12/2016 plot location

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