Environmental Statement volume 1
Clach Liath Wind Farm
For further information, please contact:
RSK Environment Ltd: 65 Sussex Street, Glasgow G41 1DX, UK Tel: +44 (0)141 418 0471 • Contact: Joe Somerville • Email: [email protected] www.rsk.co.uk APRIL 2012
RSK GENERAL NOTES
Project No.: P190135
Title: Clach Liath Wind Farm Environmental Statement
Client: Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP
Date: April 2012
Office: Glasgow
Author Joe Somerville Technical reviewer Jamie Gleave Date: April 2012 Date: April 2012
Project manager Joe Somerville Date: April 2012
RSK Environment Ltd (RSK) has prepared this report for the sole use of the client, showing reasonable skill and care, for the intended purposes as stated in the agreement under which this work was completed. The report may not be relied upon by any other party without the express agreement of the client and RSK. No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the professional advice included in this report. Where any data supplied by the client or from other sources have been used, it has been assumed that the information is correct. No responsibility can be accepted by RSK for inaccuracies in the data supplied by any other party. The conclusions and recommendations in this report are based on the assumption that all relevant information has been supplied by those bodies from whom it was requested. No part of this report may be copied or duplicated without the express permission of RSK and the party for whom it was prepared. Where field investigations have been carried out, these have been restricted to a level of detail required to achieve the stated objectives of the work. This work has been undertaken in accordance with the quality management system of RSK Environment Ltd.
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CONTENTS
PREFACE...... 7 1 INTRODUCTION...... 9 1.1 The Proposed Development ...... 9 1.2 The Applicant ...... 9 1.3 Requirement for Environmental Assessment...... 10 1.4 Content of this Environmental Statement ...... 10 1.5 EIA Methodology...... 12 2 ALTERNATIVES & DESIGN EVOLUTION...... 18 2.1 Introduction ...... 18 2.2 Site Selection ...... 18 2.3 Project Design Evolution...... 19 3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ...... 25 3.1 Introduction ...... 25 3.2 Site Description ...... 25 3.3 Summary of Key Components ...... 25 3.4 Wind Turbines ...... 26 3.5 Crane hard standings ...... 30 3.6 Transformer Houses...... 31 3.7 Permanent Anemometer Mast ...... 31 3.8 Access Routes ...... 32 3.9 On-site Electrical Connections and Control Building...... 35 3.10 Grid connection ...... 37 3.11 Temporary Construction Compound ...... 37 3.12 Borrow Pits...... 37 3.13 Land-take...... 38 3.14 Construction Programme...... 39 3.15 Construction workforce...... 40 3.16 Operational Phase Activities/Maintenance ...... 42 3.17 Decommissioning...... 43 3.18 References...... 43 4 PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK ...... 44 4.1 Introduction ...... 44 4.2 UK Context...... 44 4.3 National Policy Framework ...... 46 4.4 Regional Policy Framework ...... 49 4.5 Local Policy Framework...... 53 4.6 Conclusions...... 55 4.7 References...... 55 5 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ...... 56 5.1 Introduction ...... 56 5.2 Legislation and Policy...... 56
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5.3 Method of assessment...... 60 5.4 Baseline Environment...... 69 5.5 Project Characteristics...... 75 5.6 Predicted Impacts...... 80 5.7 Mitigation...... 91 5.8 Residual Impacts...... 95 5.9 Cumulative Impacts...... 95 5.10 References...... 96 6 ECOLOGY...... 97 6.1 Introduction ...... 97 6.2 Legislation and Policy...... 97 6.3 Method of assessment...... 98 6.4 Baseline Environment...... 105 6.5 Project Characteristics...... 120 6.6 Predicted Impacts...... 122 6.7 Mitigation...... 126 6.8 Residual Impacts...... 129 6.9 Cumulative Impacts...... 137 6.10 References...... 137 7 ORNITHOLOGY...... 139 7.1 Introduction ...... 139 7.2 Legislation and Policy...... 139 7.3 Method of Assessment ...... 139 7.4 Assessment Guidance and Methodologies ...... 140 7.5 Impact Assessment and Evaluation ...... 143 7.6 Baseline Environment...... 146 7.7 Project Characteristics...... 152 7.8 Predicted Impacts...... 155 7.9 Mitigation...... 168 7.10 Residual Impacts...... 173 7.11 Cumulative Impacts...... 174 7.12 References...... 175 8 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL...... 176 8.1 Background...... 176 8.2 Policy Context ...... 176 8.3 Assessment Method...... 178 8.4 Design Evolution and Embedded Mitigation ...... 189 8.5 Baseline Conditions...... 191 8.6 Visual Assessment ...... 205 8.7 Landscape Assessment...... 220 8.8 Cumulative Assessment ...... 225 8.9 Summary of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment ...... 243 9 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE...... 247 9.1 Introduction ...... 247 9.2 Legislation and Policy...... 247 9.3 Method of assessment...... 250 9.4 Baseline Environment...... 256
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9.5 Project Characteristics...... 271 9.6 Predicted Impacts...... 272 9.7 Mitigation...... 278 9.8 Residual Impacts...... 279 9.9 Cumulative Impacts...... 280 9.10 References...... 281 10 NOISE...... 283 10.1 Introduction ...... 283 10.2 Legislation and Policy...... 283 10.3 Method of assessment...... 285 10.4 Baseline Environment...... 288 10.5 Predicted Impacts...... 295 10.6 Mitigation...... 303 10.7 Residual Impacts...... 304 10.8 Cumulative Impacts...... 304 10.9 References...... 306 11 TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION...... 312 11.1 Introduction ...... 312 11.2 Legislation and Policy...... 312 11.3 Method of Assessment ...... 316 11.4 Baseline Environment...... 321 11.5 Project Characteristics...... 326 11.6 Predicted Impacts...... 332 11.7 Mitigation...... 340 11.8 Residual Impacts...... 348 11.9 Cumulative Impacts...... 348 12 CLIMATE CHANGE...... 349 12.1 Introduction ...... 349 12.2 Legislation and Policy...... 350 12.3 Method of assessment...... 352 12.4 Baseline Environment...... 353 12.5 Project Characteristics...... 355 12.6 Predicted Impacts...... 355 12.7 Mitigation...... 358 12.8 Residual Impacts...... 360 12.9 Cumulative Impacts...... 360 12.10 References...... 360 13 SOCIO-ECONOMICS...... 362 13.1 Introduction ...... 362 13.2 Legislation and Policy...... 362 13.3 Method of assessment...... 363 13.4 Baseline Environment...... 365 13.5 Project Characteristics...... 369 13.6 Predicted Impacts...... 370 13.7 Mitigation...... 373 13.8 Residual Impacts...... 373 13.9 Cumulative Impacts...... 373
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13.10 References...... 374 14 EMI, AVIATION AND SHADOW FLICKER ...... 376 14.1 Introduction ...... 376 14.2 Legislation and Policy...... 376 14.3 Method of assessment...... 377 14.4 Baseline Environment...... 379 14.5 Project Characteristics...... 381 14.6 Predicted Impacts...... 382 14.7 Mitigation...... 385 14.8 Residual Impacts...... 385 14.9 Cumulative Impacts...... 385 15 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT...... 387 15.1 Introduction ...... 387 15.2 Environmental Management Framework...... 387 15.3 Construction Management...... 387 15.4 Operation Management...... 388 15.5 Decommissioning Management...... 389 15.6 Environmental Requirements Summary...... 389
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FIGURES (ES Volume 1)
Figure Number Figure Title
1.1 Site Location and Boundary 1.2 Wind Farm Layout 1.3 Site Location and Access Tracks 2.1 Design Evolution 3.1 Typical Turbine Design 3.2 Typical Turbine Foundation 3.3 Turbine Nacelle Lift 3.4 Typical Transformer House 3.5 Typical Anemometer Mast 3.6 Typical Control Building 3.7 Typical Sub-station 5.1 Existing Site Contours and Constraint Plan 6.1 Statutory Designated Sites 6.2a Phase 1 Habitat Survey 2009 6.2b Phase 1 Habitat Survey 2011 (Map 1 of 2) 6.2b Phase 1 Habitat Survey 2011 (Map 2 of 2) 6.3 Protected Species 7.1 Ornithological Viewpoints 7.2 Bird Survey Areas 7.3a All Geese Flights 7.3b All Golden Eagle Flights 7.3c All Red Kite Flights 7.3d All Hen Harrier Flights 7.3e All Merlin Flights 7.3f All Golden Plover Flights 7.3g All Whooper Swan Flights 7.3h All Peregrine Flights 9.1 Archaeological Constraints within Study Area A 9.2 Key Visuals Heritage Receptors with Study Area B 9.3 Balnacrae Chambered Cairn indicative wireline 9.4 Eileanach Lodge indicative wireline 9.5 Strath Sgitheach indicative wireline 9.6 Heights of Brae indicative wireline 10.1 Monitoring and assessment locations 10.2 Monitoring location at Fannyfield 10.3 Monitoring location at Eileanach Farm 10.4 Monitoring location at Eileanach Lodge 10.5 Monitoring location at Allt nan Caorach consented property location 10.6 Fannyfield Daytime Analysis 10.7 Fannyfield Night-time Analysis 10.8 Eileanach Lodge Daytime Analysis
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10.9 Eileanach Lodge Night-time Analysis 10.10 Eileanach Farm Daytime Analysis 10.11 Eileanach Farm Night-time Analysis 10.12 Allt nan Caorach Daytime Analysis 10.13 Allt nan Caorach Night-time Analysis 12.1 Predicted GHG Emissions & Savings from Wind Farm Construction & Decommissioning 13.1 Public Rights of Way and Other Routes 13.2 Percentage Employment by Sector
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PREFACE
Coriolis Energy LLP (the Agent) is seeking planning permission on behalf of Falck Renewables Wind Limited (The Applicant) for the construction and operation of an onshore wind farm at Clach Liath on Swordale Moor in Easter Ross, Highland, approximately 6km north of Dingwall and to the south of Loch Glass. The proposed wind farm will comprise 17 turbines (Figure 1.2), each having an electricity generation capacity of between 2 to 3 megawatts (MW). The net combined installed capacity of the project will be approximately 42.5MW.
RSK Environment Ltd was commissioned to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Clach Liath Wind Farm on behalf of Coriolis and Falck. This Environmental Statement (ES) reports on the findings of the EIA and accompanies the development planning application. The ES considers potential environmental impacts associated with the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Clach Liath Wind Farm. Through the EIA process it was determined that the ES would include the following technical chapters: planning, physical environmental, ecology, ornithology, landscape and visual assessment, archaeology and cultural heritage, noise, traffic and transport, climate change, socio- economics and electromagnetic interference, aviation and shadow flicker.
Coriolis is committed to ensuring that sympathetic and sustainable design principles are embedded into each project design and also to engaging with local stakeholders for their views and inputs on each project. A public consultation programme has been completed, which included three public exhibitions held in the summer of 2011.
Environmental Statement Availability
The person who may be contacted for further information on the project is:
Joe Somerville
RSK Environment Ltd
65 Sussex St
Glasgow
G41 1DX
Tel: 0141 418 0471
Email: [email protected]
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Hard copies are available for viewing at public venues as specified by Highland Council.
Further copies of the ES may be obtained from the RSK office at the above address. The cost for an electronic copy on DVD (including Non Technical Summary) is £25. A quote for hard copies can be provided on request. A copy of the Non Technical Summary is available free of charge from the above RSK office.
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Proposed Development
Coriolis Energy LLP (the Agent) is seeking planning permission on behalf of Falck Renewables Wind Limited (The Applicant) for the construction and operation of an onshore wind farm at Clach Liath (henceforth referred to as “the Site”) on Swordale Moor in Easter Ross, Highland, approximately 6km north of Dingwall and to the south of Loch Glass (see Figure 1.1). The proposed wind farm (henceforth referred to as “the Development”) would comprise 17 turbines (Figure 1.2), each having an electricity generation capacity of between 2 to 3 megawatts (MW). The net combined installed capacity of the project would be approximately 42.5MW.
The Development would provide enough energy to power approximately 23,100 homes, 1 greater than all the households in the Council wards of Cromarty Firth, Black Isle, Dingwall and Easter Ross. As well as helping to make the UK more energy self-sufficient, this electricity would be generated without greenhouse gas emissions or other harmful waste products. This would offset the release of approximately 1.606 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the Development when comparing it with fossil fuel generation 2.
RSK Environment Ltd (henceforth RSK) was commissioned to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Development. This Environmental Statement (ES) details the findings of the EIA process.
1.2 The Applicant
Since its formation in 2002, Falck Renewables has become one of the leading independent renewable energy businesses in Europe. Falck Renewables is part of the substantial Italian company Gruppo Falck SPA. Gruppo Falck has a long history of involvement in the energy sector. Falck’s operational headquarters are located at Dochfour, near Inverness.
Falck Renewables are one of the largest owner - operators of onshore wind farms in the UK where the company owns operational wind farms with a combined capacity of 273 MW. The company has further operational wind farms in Spain, France and Italy, in total a portfolio of
1 Calculated at 108,861MWh per year from the Development, based on 17 turbines of 2.5MW capacity each. The energy capture and equivalent homes figure relating to this project may change as more information is gathered. Number of homes figures is rounded to the nearest 100 homes. Information on households in council wards is taken from the National Records of Scotland 2010 mid-year results, quoted on the Highland Council website: http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourcouncil/yourward/ 2 See Chapter 12: Climate Change for more detail as to how this figure is reached.
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approximately 624 MW in operation at the beginning of 2012. New projects are currently under development in Poland as well as the UK, France, and Italy. Falck Renewables has a target of reaching 1,000 MW installed capacity by 2014.
Coriolis Energy LLP is a specialist independent wind farm development company operating throughout the UK. Coriolis Energy works in partnership with Falck Renewables in the UK, and assists through the early stages of project development and planning. Falck Renewables funds the development, construction and operation of projects that receive planning and grid consents. The partnership has received consent for two wind farms and currently has another two proposals in planning in the UK.
1.3 Requirement for Environmental Assessment
Under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, 1997, consent to construct and operate the Development is required from the relevant planning authority for electricity generation projects that fall below 50 Megawatts (MW).
The Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (the 2011 regulations) require an EIA to be undertaken if the relevant planning authority considers that the proposals have the potential to have a significant impact on the environment.
The Development is classed as a “major development” under paragraph 4, Regulation 2(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009. Major developments must undertake meaningful and appropriate pre-application consultation (PAC) with local communities prior to the submission of a planning application (see Section 1.5.4 below).
1.4 Content of this Environmental Statement
Schedule 4, Part 1 of the EIA Regulations specifies what information is to be included in an ES. This includes a description of the aspects of the environment likely to be significantly affected by a proposed development.
The EIA Regulations state that a description of the likely significant impacts of the development on the environment must include ‘direct, indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative’ impacts resulting from:
• The existence of the proposed development;
• The use of natural resources;
• The emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste; and
• A description of the forecasting methods used to assess the impacts on the environment.
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Further definition of these terms is provided alongside an overview of the EIA method adopted for the Development in Section 1.5 below. Taking the above into account, this ES adopts the following structure:
• Section 1 Introduction
• Section 2 Alternatives and Design Evolution
• Section 3 Project Description
• Section 4 Planning Policy
• Section 5 Physical Environment
• Section 6 Landscape & Visual
• Section 7 Terrestrial Ecology
• Section 8 Ornithology
• Section 9 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
• Section 10 Noise
• Section 11 Traffic & Transport
• Section 12 Climate Change
• Section 13 Socio-Economics
• Section 14 Shadow Flicker, Telecommunications & Aviation
• Section 15 Environmental Management
Table 1.1 identifies the requirements of Schedule 4, Part 1 of the EIA Regulations and identifies where this information is provided within this ES.
Table 1.1 The requirements of Schedule 4, Part I of the EIA Regulations
EIA Regulations, Schedule 4, Part 1 Location within this ES 1. Description of the Development, including in particular - Section 3 – Project (a) A description of the physical characteristics of the whole Description Development and the land-use requirements during the construction and operational phases; (b) A description of the main characteristics of the production processes, for instance, nature and quantity of the materials used; (c) An estimate, by type and quantity, of expected residues and emissions (water, air and soil pollution, noise, vibration, light, heat, radiation, etc.) resulting from the operation of the proposed Development. 2. An outline of the main alternatives studied by the applicant or Section 2 – Benefits and appellant and an indication of the main reasons for his choice, taking Site Selection into account the environmental impacts. 3. A description of the aspects of the environment likely to be Sections 5 to 14 significantly affected by the Development, including, in particular, population, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, landscape and the inter-relationship between the above factors. 4. A description of the likely significant impacts of the Development on Sections 5 to 14 the environment, which should cover the direct impacts and any
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EIA Regulations, Schedule 4, Part 1 Location within this ES indirect, secondary, cumulative, short, medium and long-term, permanent and temporary, positive and negative impacts of the Development, resulting from: (a) The existence of the Development; (b) The use of natural resources; (c) the emission of pollutants, the creation of nuisances and the elimination of waste, and the description by the applicant of the forecasting methods used to assess the impacts on the environment. 5. A description of the measures envisaged to prevent, reduce and Sections 5 to 15 where possible offset any significant adverse impacts on the environment. 6. A non-technical summary of the information provided under Volume 4: Non-technical paragraphs 1 to 5 of this Part. Summary 7. An indication of any difficulties (technical deficiencies or lack of Sections 5 to 14 know-how) encountered by the applicant in compiling the required information.
1.5 EIA Methodology
1.5.1 Introduction EIA is the procedure by which a development’s likely significant environmental impacts are methodically identified and assessed, for all stages of its lifecycle. The EIA for the Development has been completed in accordance with the EIA Regulations and current best practice guidance including:
• Scottish Government, 2011, Planning Circular 3, The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2011;
• Scottish Natural Heritage, 2009, A Handbook on Environmental Impact Assessment; and
• Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), 2004 (and updated 2006), Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment.
This section presents an overview of the approach followed in the environmental assessment of the Development. Where an individual assessment has deviated from the method outlined below, this is detailed within the chapter’s methodology section.
1.5.2 Screening A formal ‘Screening Opinion’ to establish the need for an EIA has not been sought from the Highland Council. Instead the applicant undertook their own review of the proposals against the EIA regulations and established their scheme constituted EIA development.
1.5.3 Scoping An underlying principle of the EIA process is that it should concentrate on environmental issues where impacts associated with a development proposal have the potential to be significant. The Development was accordingly subject to a detailed scoping exercise in
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November 2010, in order to determine those issues that should be addressed in the EIA and the form that individual assessments should take.
The scoping exercise involved: a review of available documentation related to the form and status of the existing environment; consultation with statutory and non-statutory agencies and other environmental bodies with knowledge of the Site and surrounding areas; preliminary desk-based and site-based appraisals and surveys; and knowledge of the potential environmental implications of comparable schemes (based on direct past project experience and other published experience and guidance).
A Scoping Report was produced for the Development that recorded the outcomes of the scoping exercise, specifically identifying the environmental issues of genuine potential significance to be assessed in the EIA and the assessment methodologies to be followed within each technical assessment. The report accompanied a formal request for a Scoping Opinion, submitted to the Highland Council in November 2010.
A copy of the consultation responses received in the Scoping Opinion is contained in Technical Appendix 1.1. Further consultation was undertaken as an integral part of the EIA; the consultations completed are detailed in each of the ES technical chapters 5 to 14, and summarised in Appendix 1.1.
1.5.4 Public Consultation The Development is classed as a “major development” under paragraph 4, Regulation 2(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Developments) (Scotland) Regulations 2009. Accordingly, statutory pre-application consultation (PAC) has been undertaken prior to the submission of the planning application for the Development.
Coriolis and Falck undertook a programme of public consultation on the Development, which included public exhibitions in June and July 2011. The public consultation exercise is reported separately to the ES in the PAC report.
1.5.5 Technical Assessment and ES Chapter Format Once the issues to be addressed in the EIA had been confirmed with the Highland Council, technical assessments were undertaken to: identify potential constraints and opportunities; inform the design of the Development; and identify, assess and evaluate the likely significant impacts associated with implementation of the Development.
Each technical assessment has been assessed and reported as a separate chapter in the ES (Chapters 5 to 14), following a common format set out below:
1.5.5.1 Introduction This section provides a brief summary of the topic and means of assessment in the chapter.
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1.5.5.2 Legislation and Policy This section contains a review of relevant legislation and best practice guidance together with reference and due consideration of the adopted and emerging planning policies (national, regional and local) as detailed in Chapter 4: Planning.
1.5.5.3 Method of Assessment This section sets out the approach to the assessment including data sources, consultations, models used and any limitations or assumptions made in the assessment. It also includes a set of assessment significance criteria, specific to the environmental aspect, with details of the criteria sources and justification for their use.
1.5.5.4 Baseline Environment This provides a detailed description of the baseline environment (with relevance to the assessment), which has been established through collation and review of existing information, data and reports, completion of desk top studies and field survey work as necessary. Potential sensitive receptors and resources are also identified and modelled future conditions without the Development are included if appropriate.
1.5.5.5 Project Characteristics This section summarised the key construction, operational and decommissioning activities of the Development likely to generate impacts (in relation to the topic being assessed).
1.5.5.6 Predicted Impacts This section describes the prediction and/or modelling of future conditions resulting from Development implementation, and identifies the environmental impacts that would result from the construction, operation and decommissioning of the Development. Evaluation of their magnitude and significance is also undertaken and recorded. The process relies on a combination of definitive standards and legislation, technical guidance, best practice and professional judgement.
1.5.5.7 Mitigation This contains a description of agreed and committed mitigation measures (above and beyond those inherent within the design) necessary to counter or offset predicted impacts.
1.5.5.8 Residual Impact This section provides a summary of the impacts that would remain post implementation and establishment of mitigation.
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1.5.5.9 Cumulative Impacts This section summarises any potential cumulative impacts arising from the Development in combination with other wind farm developments in the surrounding area.
1.5.6 Assessment Criteria Schedule 3 of the EIA Regulations notes that the potential significant environmental impacts of a development must be considered with regard to the following:
• Extent of the impact (geographical area and size of the affected population);
• Transfrontier nature of the impact (not applicable for the Development);
• The magnitude and complexity of the impact;
• The probability of the impact; and
• The duration, frequency and reversibility of the impact.
Each technical chapter includes a specific set of assessment criteria to reflect the above requirements.
Within this ES, impact significance is generally derived from combining the sensitivity of the receptor with the predicted impact magnitude. The sensitivity of the receptor or environmental resource has been determined through assessment of its level of scarcity, value, importance and/or protection. Other factors such as number of visitors for a tourist attraction, or frequency of use, may also be of note for some assessment topics. Impact magnitude has been established through consideration of the number of the receptors affected; the scale or extent of impact i.e. local, district, regional or national level; the duration of the impact and whether the impact is direct or indirect, primary or secondary, reversible or irreversible. The assessment of impact significance varies according to the assessment topic under consideration, the assessment guidelines and methodology followed, applicable standards, and professional judgement. Specific variations are required for some topics e.g. the noise assessment considers compliance with or exceedance of established standards, rather than a gradation of impact.
Within each chapter, clarification is also provided on whether the identified impacts are significant environmental impacts. These conclusions are drawn based on a combination of professional judgement and experience and relevant standards and guidance as appropriate.
1.5.7 Cumulative Assessment Potential cumulative impacts can take two forms:
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• A combination of individual impacts from the Development experienced by an individual receptor e.g. a residential receptor could experience both noise and visual impact; and
• Impacts from several different developments on a receptor – impacts from the individual developments may not be significant, but there could be a significant impact when considered cumulatively.
Cumulative impacts are considered within the individual technical chapters, with a focus on impacts of the Development with those of other wind farms. Wind farm developments that are operational; have consent and/or are under construction (together termed “committed developments”) or are in the planning system have been identified within a 60km radius of the Site, as identified on Figure 8.27. As discussed in Chapter 8, only committed developments within the 60km radius have been assessed in detail for the LVIA.
1.5.8 Assumptions and Limitations The principal assumptions that have been made and any limitations that have been identified during the EIA are set out below. Assumptions specifically relevant to each environmental aspect are set out in the respective chapter.
• Baseline comprises the Site as existing in 2012, unless stated;
• Information received from third parties is assumed to be accurate, complete and up to date;
• Candidate turbines would consist of seventeen turbines of a maximum of 126.5m in height to blade tip and 80m hub height, and
• The grid connection would be at 33kV comprising an underground cable routed along roadside verges. However, the final decision about route and whether elements of this would be underground or pole-mounted lies with Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Ltd (SHETL). The grid connection would be subject to a separate planning application by SHETL under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, and would be subject to its own EIA.
1.5.9 Elements scoped out of the assessment
1.5.9.1 Air Quality A review of the Development against available data was undertaken as part of the scoping process to identify whether the potential exists to generate impacts on air quality. The process identified that any such impacts would be localised and would potentially derive from vehicular emissions (during construction and operation) and dust emissions (during construction, including borrow pits).
The review confirmed that the Highlands has not declared any Air Quality Management Areas, as pollutant levels are below the national objective values, and consultation with
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Transport Scotland highlighted that ‘where a significant change in road traffic characteristics has been identified as a result of the Development, changes in air quality at the worst cast sensitive receptors adjacent to the trunk road would require further assessment’.
In relation to potential dust emissions, accepted guidance suggests that the majority of such impacts occur within 100m of the source (i.e. the Site).
During the early stages of the EIA process, it became apparent that no residential receptors are located within 100m of the Site, and no significant changes in road traffic characteristics would result from implementation of the Development (reference Chapter 11 - Traffic and Transport).
It was concluded that assuming implementation of best-practice dust control measures (see Appendix 5.2: Borrow Pit Assessment) and construction environmental management techniques (see Chapter 15), no significant impacts on local air quality would result from Development progression. Impacts on local air quality were accordingly scoped out of the EIA.
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00 12.01.11Site Location BF MK MK
RevDate Description DrnChk App
Clach Liath Wind Farm
Figure 1.1: Site Location and Boundary
SCALE: 1:100,000 Insert 1:250,000 @ A3 REV 00 FILE NAME: P:\ENVIRONMENT\190000 - EIA Glasgow\P190135 EIA - Clach Liath NAME: WindFILE P:\ENVIRONMENT\190000 Farm\07 1.1 Site GIS\ES - Location.Wor © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2012 License number 10001998 Turbine Location Proposed Site Location 50m External Access Track Buffer Internal Existing Forestry Track to be Upgraded New Internal Access Track New 4 x 4 Track New Access Track Through Forestry Location of temporary construction compound Control Building Proposed Borrow Pit Location Met Mast
01 14.02.12Access Track BF MK MK
00 12.01.11Layout BF MK MK
RevDate Description DrnChk App
Clach Liath Wind Farm
Figure 1.2: Wind Farm Layout
SCALE: 1:15,000 @ A3 REV 01 FILE NAME: P:\ENVIRONMENT\190000 - EIA Glasgow\P190135 EIA - Clach Liath NAME: WindFILE P:\ENVIRONMENT\190000 Farm\07 1.2 Wind GIS\ES - Farm Layout.Wor © Crown copyright, All rights reserved. 2012 License number 10001998
9 ARCHAEOLOGY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE
9.1 Introduction
This chapter describes the potential impacts of the Development on the archaeological and cultural heritage resources on and around the Site. The assessment comprises an archaeological desk-based assessment, walkover survey and assessment of impact, including direct impacts and indirect/visual impacts on setting. The scope of the assessment is based on the Clach Liath Wind Farm Scoping Report61 and scoping responses received from the Highland Council Archaeological Unit (HCAU) and Historic Scotland.
9.2 Legislation and Policy
9.2.1 Statutory Protection Table 9.1 summarises the statutory legislation relating to the historic environment and relevant to the proposed development.
Table 9.1: Statutory Protection
Legislation Jurisdiction Key Issues
Ancient Monuments Historic Scotland/ Provides statutory protection of Scheduled and Archaeological Scottish Monuments. It is a criminal offence to carry out any Areas Act (1979) Government works on or near a Scheduled Monument without Scheduled Monument Consent. Town and Country Scottish Establishes framework for determining planning Planning (Scotland) Government/ the applications, the role of the local planning authority Act 1997; Planning Highland Council and the role of Development (Structure and Local) etc (Scotland) Act Plans within the process. (Scotland) 2006 Planning (Listed Scottish Provides for statutory protection of listed buildings Buildings and Government/ the and conservation areas. No physical works can be Conservation Areas) Highland Council carried out in relation to a listed building and its (Scotland) Act (1997) curtilage without listed building consent. It introduces a requirement to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting in considering any proposed development which may affect these. In conservation areas, the designation introduces general controls to conserve character and appearance within the conservation area. Town and Country Scottish Requires that, before granting planning permission
61 RSK. 2010. Clach Liath Wind Farm: Scoping Report
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Legislation Jurisdiction Key Issues
Planning (General Government/ the for development, a planning authority shall consult Development Highland Council with the Scottish Ministers for the following cases: Procedure) Scotland development which may affect a historic garden or Order 1992, Section designed landscape; development which may affect 15(1) (j) as amended the site of a Scheduled Monument or its setting, or by the Town and may affect a category A listed building or its setting. Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Scotland) (Amendment (No2) Order 1994, Section (5) Protection of Military Ministry of Defence Outlines the criteria for designating a military crash Remains Act (1986) site. Certain activities are prohibited at protected sites, without the authority of the Ministry of Defence.
Scots Common Law Procurator Fiscal/ The movement or disturbance of human remains Police without lawful authority is illegal. Any human remains should be reported to the local police or Procurator Fiscal’s office. Further disturbance must cease until permission to continue has been granted by the legal authorities.
9.2.2 Non-statutory Protection Various documents provide non-statutory protection for the historic environment in Scotland. The requirements of these documents have been compiled into the consolidated Scottish Planning Policy (SPP) and supplementary information, as outlined in Table 9.2.
Table 9.2: Non-statutory Protection
Document Jurisdiction Key Issues
Planning Advice Note Scottish Supersedes PAN 42 Archaeology – the (PAN) 2 / 2011 Planning Government Planning Process and Scheduled Monuments and Archaeology Procedures. Provides local government (published July 27, officers with advice for treating archaeological 2011) sites through the planning process, including consideration of setting and preservation in situ. Sets out Government policy on how archaeological remains and discoveries are dealt with within the existing development plan and development control processes.
PAN 71 Conservation Scottish Provides local government and stakeholders Area Management Government with planning advice with regards to conservation areas.
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Document Jurisdiction Key Issues
Scottish Historic Scottish Defines the Historic Environment and Environment Policy Government Scottish Government Policy. (SHEP)
Managing Change in Scottish Guidance to planning authorities and the Historic Government/ stakeholders regarding key issues relating to Environment Guidance Historic Scotland development, the planning process, and key Notes issues pertaining to the historic environment. Most relevant are the guidance notes covering Setting (Oct 2010) and Historic Battlefields (March 2011).
9.2.3 Archaeological Standards RSK is a Registered Organisation with the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA). This assessment was undertaken in accordance with the IfA’s relevant Standards and Guidance and Code of Conduct (2010), and relevant Historic Scotland guidance. The archaeological assessment was carried out between May 2010 and February 2012.
9.2.4 Development Plan Policy Policies specific to the protection and management of the historic environment, including the archaeological and built heritage resource, are contained within the following documents. The current Highland Structure Plan, formally adopted in March 2001 contains five policies pertaining to the historic environment:
• Policy BC1 Preservation of archaeological sites states that archaeological sites affected by development proposals should be preserved or, if this is not possible, recorded to professional standards at the developers’ expense.
• Policy BC2 Archaeology, tourism and education states that proposals that have the potential to increase tourism or increase public understanding and awareness through research projects will generally be supported.
• Proposal BC3 Archaeological Heritage Areas states that Local Plans will identify and zone areas of exceptional archaeological and historic interest, and make appropriate provision for their protection and interpretation.
• Policy BC4 Historic gardens and designed landscapes states that the Council will seek to preserve historic gardens and designed landscapes identified in the published inventory and in any additions to it.
• Policy BC5 Listed buildings and Conservation Areas states that the Council will seek to preserve Highland’s buildings and groups of buildings of historic or architectural interest.
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The Ross and Cromarty East Local Plan was adopted in February 2007 and guides decisions on planning applications in the area:
• Background Policy BP2 states that the Council will permit development unless it would be likely to have a significantly adverse impact on, or be significantly adversely affected by, the features for which an area has been designated. This policy covers conservation areas, listed buildings (Categories B and C(S)), areas of archaeological interest, and Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes.
• Background Policy BP3 states that the Council will only approve development if there are no significant adverse impacts on heritage, amenity, public health and safety interests. This policy covers Category A listed buildings and sites on the Council’s Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) (since replaced by the Historic Environment Record (HER)).
• Background Policy B4 states that the Council will not favour development unless there are over-riding environmental or public health and safety grounds or unless there are imperative reasons of overriding public interest including those of a social or economic nature. This policy covers Scheduled Monuments (SMs).
9.3 Method of assessment
9.3.1 Study Areas Two study areas were defined in the assessment.
• Study Area A comprised a 2km area from the landowner boundary around the Site and a 50m wide corridor around the proposed access track to the Site (see Figure 9.1). Its purpose is to identify potential physical impacts on the known archaeological and cultural heritage resource, and the archaeological potential within the Site through the identification of any heritage assets62 within, or local trends immediately adjacent to, the Development footprint.
• Study Area B comprised a 15km radius from the centre of the Site to identify visual impacts on the setting of designated heritage assets. The focus on a 15km zone for the consideration of visual impacts has been determined with reference to Zones of Theoretical Visibility (ZTVs) prepared as part of the Landscape and Visual Assessment. Within 5km, visual impacts on all designated assets, SMs, Historic Battlefields, listed buildings, conservation areas, and inventory Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes (HGDLs) have been assessed. Only SMs, Category A Listed Buildings, Historic Battlefields and inventory HGDLs have been assessed up to the
62 A heritage asset is a building, monument, site, place, area or landscape identified as having a degree of importance meriting consideration in planning decisions. The terms “heritage asset”, “monument” and “cultural heritage receptor” are used interchangeably in this ES chapter. A “designated asset” is A World Heritage Site, Scheduled Monument, Listed Building, , Inventory Historic Garden or Designed Landscape, inventory Historic Battlefield, or Conservation Area designated as such under the relevant legislation.
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maximum 15km, as these types of asset can be important in terms of location, elevation, landscape dominance and prominence and intervisibility, and can be influenced by changes to their contextual setting from development of the type proposed.
9.3.2 Data Sources The following sources were consulted:
• The Highland Council HER; consulted for lists of known heritage assets and previous archaeological interventions;
• Historic Scotland’s databases of listed buildings, SMs, monuments proposed for scheduling, and inventory HGDLs;
• The National Monuments Record of Scotland (NMRS);
• Relevant landscape and visual assessment data, including ZTVs and photomontages, and access to wirelines of the Development through WindFarm software.
• Vertical stereo aerial photographic coverage held by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS);
• Ordnance Survey map coverage from 1850 onwards, and any other readily available early cartographic sources held at the National Library of Scotland Map Library;
• Online resources, principally the Statistical Accounts of Scotland, the Historic Land Use Assessment (through RCAHMS) and Archway;
• The Highland Council Archive for further stereo aerial photographic coverage, valuation rolls, estate maps and secondary written sources;
• An archaeological desk-based report into a potential road access to Clach Liath (produced by CFA Archaeology Ltd) and high-resolution aerial photography provided by the Coriolis Energy.
• Secondary written sources accessed at the University of Glasgow Library; and
• Information provided by the North of Scotland Archaeological Society.
9.3.3 Gazetteer A gazetteer has been compiled, using information from the data sources listed above. The gazetteer includes a summary of the known archaeological and cultural heritage resource within Study Areas A & B and is included as Appendix 9.1.
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9.3.4 Site Visit
9.3.4.1 Physical impacts The Site was visited on 26th and 27th September 2011 by two qualified archaeologists. Each area where the Development installations could be located was visited and inspected, as was the proposed access route to the Site. Notes were taken on topography, land use, field boundaries, the condition of any previously recorded heritage assets, and potential previously unrecorded archaeological sites. The position of any identified sites or features were logged using a Trimble XT GPS, with a photographic record maintained alongside written records. The site visit noted the current condition and nature of any recorded heritage assets, and the potential for previously unrecorded assets to be present.
9.3.4.2 Setting impacts The assessment of setting considered the significance of, setting, and contribution of setting to each heritage asset listed in the gazetteer. Screening to determine the potential for an asset or its setting to be affected was undertaken by way of an initial review of the Development’s ZTV and the asset’s existing setting (immediate/curtilage/local/wider). This was then compared with the extent of the Development, its position in relation to key views, or proximity to a heritage asset. Following the desk-based screening exercise, site visits were made to any heritage assets where a potential visual impact on the setting of the receptor had been identified in order to provide a description of the heritage asset, the extent of the asset’s setting, and the contribution of the setting to the asset’s importance. Baseline data was gathered for each heritage receptor, which allowed a detailed assessment of the following potential aspects to be undertaken:
• Intended sight lines;
• Extent of setting;
• Views towards and from;
• Landscape situation;
• Dominance;
• Unaltered Cultural Landscape;
• Intervisibility; and
• Scale of proposed development.
9.3.5 Consultation The HCAU and Historic Scotland were consulted as part of the EIA scoping process, and a formal response was received (see consultation matrix in Appendix 1.1).
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9.3.6 Assessment of Impacts
9.3.6.1 Importance The relative importance of each receptor has been determined to provide a framework for comparison between different heritage assets in order to inform the EIA process. The categories of importance (Table 9.3) do not reflect a definitive level of importance or value of a heritage asset, but a provisional one based on a range of factors including current legal status, rarity, completeness, historical and cultural associations, and community, research and place-making potential. Assessing importance requires both professional judgement and consideration of the asset’s legal or policy status. When combined, these factors offer representations of the importance of a given resource and provide an analytical tool that can inform later stages of archaeological assessment and the development of appropriate mitigation.
Table 9.3: Criteria for Determining Importance of Heritage Asset
Importance Definition
Very High Assets and structures of acknowledged international importance. Examples include World Heritage Sites, and buildings of recognised international importance.
High Assets and structures of acknowledged national importance. Examples include Scheduled Monuments, Listed Buildings, inventory Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes, and Conservation Areas.
Medium Assets and structures of acknowledged regional importance Examples include undesignated assets of value within the HER.
Low Assets and structures of acknowledged local importance. Examples include historic (unlisted) buildings, assets of limited value registered in the HER, and assets compromised by poor preservation.
Negligible Assets and structures known to be of low archaeological or historical importance. Examples include remains previously subject to large-scale destruction, assets with very little or no surviving archaeological or historic interest and assets that hold little intrinsic archaeological value. Unknown Assets and structures of uncertain character, extent and/or date where the importance cannot be ascertained.
9.3.6.2 Assessment of Impact on Setting Impacts on setting are defined as any perceived change or impact of the Development on the setting of a heritage asset, any change in levels of noise, movement or light (flicker) at the known asset, any impact on intended sightlines, views to and from heritage assets, and any impact on the intervisibility between assets or deliberate vistas from assets, where this distracts from the context, integrity or appreciation of the asset affected.
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The methodology adopted for assessment of impact on setting is based on Historic Scotland’s guidance note, Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Setting63, which defines a three-stage process:
• Stage 1: identify historic assets;
• Stage 2: define and analyse setting; and
• Stage 3: assess the impact of the new development
Receptors considered for visual/indirect impacts in this assessment are; Scheduled Monuments, Conservation Areas, Listed Buildings, World Heritage Sites, inventory Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes and Historic Battlefields. At the request of HCAU, the assessment has also considered impacts on the setting of groups of unscheduled prehistoric heritage assets. These sites are all considered to be of ‘high’ or ‘medium’ importance against the criteria outlined in Table 9.3.
The design-development process was iterative, in that potential impacts were continually identified and the Development modified accordingly to reduce potential detrimental impacts. This has involved siting turbines away from potentially sensitive cultural heritage receptors, as summarised in Chapter 2: Alternatives.
Potential impacts on setting from the Development have been assessed by comparing the ZTV against the location of each designated receptor identified as sensitive to visual/indirect impacts through screening (including the defined extent of the setting, and shared setting extents, if appropriate), and informed by the site visit, as outlined in Section 9.3.4.2 above. The significance of impacts on setting is therefore a consideration of the relative importance of the heritage asset, and the extent of its setting, in relation to the magnitude of change brought about by the Development.
9.3.6.3 Magnitude The magnitude of Impact has been assessed according to the scale set out in Table 9.4. Unless expressly stated within the text, all impacts described in Section 9.6 below are adverse impacts.
Table 9.4: Criteria for Determining Magnitude of Impact
Magnitude Definition
Major Change to most or all key archaeological elements resulting in a total modification of the asset or structure, or comprehensive alteration to its setting and character.
Moderate Change to many key archaeological elements resulting in a clear modification to the asset or structure, or considerable alteration to its setting and character.
63 Historic Scotland. 2010. Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Setting
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Magnitude Definition
Minor Change to key archaeological elements resulting in a noticeable modification to the asset or structure, or slight alteration to its setting and character.
Negligible Changes to archaeological elements resulting in a barely perceptible modification to the asset or structure, or very slight alteration to its setting and character.
No Change Assets and structures subject to no change to their fabric or setting.
9.3.6.4 Significance The significance of any impact has been assessed by comparing the importance of each known archaeological resource against the magnitude of the impact upon it – i.e. that arising from the implementation of the Development. For the purposes of this assessment, Very Large and Large impacts are considered significant. Moderate and Slight impacts are not considered significant. The significance of impacts has been quantified in Table 9.5.
Table 9.5: Grading System Defining Significance of Impact
Resource Importance
Very High High Medium Low Negligible
Major Very Large Very Large Moderate Slight None Moderate Very Large Large Moderate Slight None Minor Large Moderate Slight None None
Negligible Moderate Slight None None None No None None None None None Change Magnitude of Impact of Magnitude
Assessment of cumulative impacts on the setting of receptors within Study Area B was undertaken. It considered the potential impact of existing wind farms within Study Area B alongside onshore wind farms that are in planning, currently consented, or under construction, against the baseline. Of these, Novar and Novar Extension wind farms to the northeast of the Development were considered in greatest detail, given their proximity to the Development. The assessment of potential cumulative impacts has been incorporated into the assessment of impacts made in Section 9.6.2 below, and in the gazetteer in Appendix 9.1.
9.3.7 Limitations of the Assessment
9.3.7.1 Data Sources Information held by public data sources is considered to be reliable; however:
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• Any HER can be limited because opportunities for research, fieldwork and discovery depend on the situation of commercial development, rather than the result of a more desirable structured research framework;
• There can often be a lack of dating evidence for archaeological sites;
• Documentary sources are rare before the medieval period, and many historic documents are inherently biased; and
• Primary sources, especially older records, can fail to accurately locate heritage assets and can be subjective in any interpretation.
9.3.7.2 Site Visit An archaeological walkover survey has inherent limitations primarily because archaeological remains below ground level cannot be identified, and because land use such as coniferous plantations may mask extant earthworks.
9.3.7.3 Impact Assessment The limitations of the physical impact assessment include:
• The lack of clarity surrounding the extent of some heritage assets. This makes it difficult to provide a precise assessment of potential impact; and
• The possibility that unknown archaeological sites will be encountered during construction.
The assessment has considered all impacts associated with the Development, as described in Chapter 3. The route and nature of the grid connection does not form part of the planning application and is yet to be finalised, so has not been assessed. The line would be considered in more detail and subject to assessment by the Distribution Network Operator (DNO), prior to a formal application for this element of infrastructure. The scope of any such assessment would be agreed with the Highland Council. The assessment of impact on the setting of receptors can be constrained if access restrictions exist.
9.4 Baseline Environment
9.4.1 Location, Geology and Topography The location of the Site is described in Chapter 3. The topography and geology of the Site are described in Chapter 5. Where these properties of the site have an archaeological relevance, these are summarised here. The topography of the Site consists of plateau moorland, bound by the Allt nan Caorach to the north and Strath Sgitheach to the south. Within the Site, two hills, Cnoc nan Each (467m above Ordnance Datum, or AOD) to the east and Meall na Speireig (620m AOD)
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forming the southwest corner, are divided by lower-lying, waterlogged ground around the Allt na h-Eiridh burn. The ground drops away to the northeast to around 336m AOD. The proposed access track to the Site crosses areas of commercial forestry plantation to the east of the Site, drops in altitude and crosses the Allt nan Caorach and River Glass before passing along the north-western slopes of Glen Glass (see Figure 9.1).
Contemporary land-use for the Site consists of open moorland with deerstalking. Remnants of a native forestry planting scheme are also present on the shoulder of Cnoc nan Each. Along the proposed access track to the Site, landuse includes commercial forestry plantation along the majority of the route, which also follows the existing Glen Glass road for a small section. Superficial (drift geological) deposits at the Site consist of blanket peat, with the access track composed of glacial till and morainic deposits.
9.4.2 Historic Land-use Assessment Historic Land-use Assessment data was available for the Site and proposed access track to the Site64.
The data showed that the area of the Site around Cnoc nan Each consisted of rough grazing until drainage was implemented in the 18th to 20th centuries, with areas of traditional (i.e. non-industrial) peat extraction in the same period. Elsewhere on the Site, moorland and rough grazing is indicated throughout the later historic periods, with drainage and rough grazing taking place in the 20th century. Along the proposed access track to the Site, the data shows coniferous plantation dating to the 20th century along the majority of the route, with an area of former post-medieval (18th and 19th century) rectilinear fields around the farmstead of Uig (RSK Site 142). A summary of landscape use and change, based on other sources, is incorporated into the sections below.
9.4.3 Historic Background
9.4.3.1 Prehistoric (500,000 BC – 560 AD) Until relatively recently, very little occupation evidence dating to the Palaeolithic period (500,000 – 12,000 BC) had been recorded from Scotland65. However, recent discoveries at Howburn Farm, Biggar, South Lanarkshire66, provide evidence for occupation during the late Upper Palaeolithic period. It is possible that Palaeolithic activity took place within Study
64 http://hla.rcahms.gov.uk/ 65 Saville, A. 1997. Palaeolithic handaxes in Scotland Proc Soc Antiq Scot, 127(1997), 1-16. 66 Ward, T. 2010. The discovery and excavation of a late Upper Palaeolithic site at Howburn Farm. Biggar Archaeology Group. http://www.biggararchaeology.org.uk; A. Saville, T.B. Ballin & T. Ward 2010. Howburn, Near Biggar, South Lanarkshire: Preliminary Notice of a Scottish Inland Early Holocene Lithic Assemblage Lithics: The Journal of the Lithic Studies Society 28: 41 – 49.
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Area B, but archaeological evidence for such occupation will have been destroyed by the scouring action of the numerous glacial advances and retreats from 8,000 BC until the beginning of the Holocene geological epoch. The first recorded prehistoric activity in the Highlands occurred in the Mesolithic period (12,000 – 4,000 BC) in the form of flint scatters. However, the Highland HER does not record any such finds within the parishes of Alness, Kiltearn and Dingwall in which Study Area A is located. The landscape of the Scottish Mesolithic period is generally characterised as consisting of Boreal woodland interspersed with open peatland areas67.
The introduction of agriculture and stock-raising characterises the beginning of the Neolithic period (c.4,000 – c.2,400 BC)68 in Scotland. Within Study Area A, evidence of funerary and ritual monuments from this period is present, such as the Balnacrae chambered cairn (RSK Site 1) and kerb cairn at Strath Sgitheach (RSK Site 10). Contemporary occupation and settlement is indicated by the occupation site of Cnoc nan Each (RSK Site 14) and the hut circle and cairnfield of Torr Na H-Uamhaig (RSK Site 42). Funerary chambered cairns, typically of the Orkney-Cromarty type are represented in the wider Study Area B also, such as Heights of Brae (RSK Site 73) and Carn Liath (RSK Site 77). Also present are long cairns, such as at Woodhead (RSK Site 123) and Wester Brae (RSK Site 125) and henges, such as Achilty (RSK Site 89). Landscape change during the Mesolithic to Neolithic transition is likely to have taken the form of the removal of tree cover due to clearing for agriculture. However, such change, having commenced in the Mesolithic, is unlikely to have been substantial until the later Prehistoric periods, with some clearance of forest as stock-raising began to supplement and replace hunter-gathering subsistence69. These episodes of woodland clearance would be followed by regeneration, with tree and shrub levels returning to their original densities. The beginning of peat accumulation is also attested to in northern Scotland, for example at Moss of Cruden in Buchan70.
The Bronze Age (c. 2,400 – 550 BC) sees a variety of changes in material culture and practice, including the introduction of copper and bronze metallurgy. The division between the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods is typically drawn by the introduction of Beaker pottery and its associated cultural suite, such as stone bracers, barb-and-tang arrowheads and short-cist inhumations. Later developments in the Bronze Age see smaller food vessels and a move towards cremation, often in round burial cairns. Within Study Area A, the hut circles identified in Strath Sgitheach (RSK Sites 8 and 17) may date from the Bronze Age, as well
67 Edwards, K. J. and I. Ralston. 1984. Postglacial hunter-gatherers and vegetational history in Scotland. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 114: 15 – 34. 68 Darvill, T. 1987. Prehistoric Britain. B. T. Batsford: London: 48. 69 Turnock, D. 1995. The Making of the Scottish Rural Landscape Aldershot: Scholar Press: 33 70 Stewart, J. M. and S. E. Durno. 1969. Structural Variations in peat. New Phyto 68: 167- 82. Cited in Edwards, K. J. and I. Ralston 1984. Postglacial hunter-gatherers and vegetational history in Scotland. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 114: 15 – 34.
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as the settlements at Glac Bhan (RSK Site 26) and Cnoc a’ Mhargadaidh (RSK Site 48). Indications of Bronze Age ritual activity are less apparent within the area, with cup-and-ring markings (which can be either Bronze Age or Neolithic in date) at Strath Sgitheach (RSK Site 21), Swordale (RSK Site 41) and Drumore (RSK Site 75), and round cairns such as Cnoc nan Craiseig (RSK Site 121) being notable exceptions. Landscape change during the Bronze Age saw an accelerated rate of tree clearance, much in evidence at Loch Farlary, near Golspie71, an upland loch site. This involved the use of metal axes, coupled with a gradual decline in the population of pines as a result of grazing pressure. Such a pattern cannot necessarily be assumed in the upland areas of Study Area A, but the density of likely Bronze Age settlement in Strath Sgitheach and Glen Glass suggests an active population occupying these valleys to the south and west of the Site. Elsewhere in Scotland, archaeological and palynological (pollen) evidence indicates that cultivation extended into upland areas for the first time during the Bronze Age, from c. 2500 BC, leading to soil erosion in places, possibly from deforestation. However, the overall picture is of small isolated settlements occupying clearings in the primary woodland72.
Iron Age activity within Study Area A (550 BC – 560 AD) is not so readily discernable, although some hut circle settlements identified as potentially Bronze Age in date may have been occupied in the Iron Age. Typically, Iron Age settlements in the wider area are characterised by an emphasis on apparently defensive properties, such as the fort at Knock Farril (RSK Site 94), or smaller duns at Drummondreoch, Carn Mor and Findon Cottage (RSK Sites 112, 114 and 115). The Iron Age in Scotland witnesses an increase in the overall level of anthropogenic (man-made) landscape change and exploitation, with extensive episodes of woodland clearance, an increase in arable and pastoral farming at the expense of forest, and the expansion of moorland73. However, studies of northern Scottish sites such as Loch Farlary and Reidchalmai74 indicate that the transition from late Bronze Age to Iron Age sees an abandonment of arable farming in upland areas in favour of increasing activity around lowland settlements.
9.4.3.2 Early Medieval (561 AD – 1057 AD) The Cromarty Firth formed part of the heartland of the Picts during the later Iron Age (corresponding to the late Roman period in other parts of Scotland) and through the majority
71 Tipping, R. P. Ashmore, A. Davies, A. Haggart, A. Moir, A. Newton, R. Sands, T. Skinner and E. Tisdall. 2007. Peat, pine stumps, and people: interactions behind climate, vegetation change and human activity in wetland archaeology at Loch Farlary, northern Scotland. In J. Barber, C. Clark, M. Cressey, A. Crone, A. Hale, J. Henderson, R. Houseley, R. Sands and A Sheridan (Eds) Archaeology from the Wetlands: Recent Perspectives. Proceedings of the 11th WARP Conference, Edinburgh 2005. WARP Occasional paper 18: 157 – 164. Society of Antiquaries of Scotland: Edinburgh. 72 Tipping, R. 1997. Vegetational History of Southern Scotland. Botanical Journal of Scotland. 49: 151-162. 73 Morrison, I. A. 1983. Prehistoric Scotland. In G. W. Whittington and I D. Whyte (Eds) An Historical Geography of Scotland: 1 – 24. London: Academic Press. 74 Tipping, R., A. Davies, R. McCulloch and E. Tisdall. 2008. Response to late Bronze Age climate change of farming communities in north east Scotland. Journal of Archaeological Science 35: 2379 – 2386.
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of the early medieval period. Pictish territory extended north of the Forth and Clyde as far as Orkney, with Study Area B comprising part of the province of Moray. The Picts are famed for the quality of their sculpture, with Pictish symbol stones located within Study Area B at Clach an Tiompain (RSK Site 92) and Dingwall churchyard (RSK Site 103). The evolution of the symbol stones shows the gradual Christianisation of the Picts through the unification with the Scots under Kenneth MacAlpin in 843 AD, but both examples identified within Study Area B bear pagan symbols. Subsequently, the colonisation of the area by the Norse is attested to in place names such as Dingwall (place or field of the parliament in Old Norse). Evidence for landscape change and settlement pattern during the early medieval period is difficult to ascertain, but there is some evidence that in the area under the political control of the Picts, exploitation of the land was focussed on fertile soils in sheltered, well-drained areas75, with occasional re-use and refortification of earlier Iron Age duns and hillforts.
9.4.3.3 Medieval (1058 AD –1559 AD) The medieval period in Scotland can be identified as coinciding with the ascent to the throne of Malcolm III (Canmore). It is with the kingship of David I (1124 – 1153AD)76 that feudalism becomes the dominant political form of Lowland Scotland, while the clan system persisted in the Highlands. The Highlands differed considerably from the Lowlands in both language and culture, with Gaelic being replaced by Saxon under Malcolm III and subsequently Scots dialect and French as the language of the royal court. The primary regional centre was Dingwall. Norse political power stemmed from Dingwall Castle (RSK Site 105), established in the mid-11th century. Dingwall became incorporated into the Kingdom of Scotland in the early 13th century, and was granted a royal charter as a burgh in 1226 AD77. The area remained under the political control of the Earl of Ross. The second source of power within medieval society lay with the Church, with a bishopric at Fortrose (from 1240) being the closest to the Site78. Ecclesiastical centres of note within Study Area B include Cille Bhrea chapel (RSK Site 107) and the Old Parish Church of Urquhart (RSK Site 110). The majority of the population would have lived in small irregular agricultural settlements known as clachans or bailes, the pattern of which is still visible in the distribution of settlements in the early part of the post-medieval period. Occupation of individual house sites may have been temporary, with the locations of houses changing within a holding. In terms of landscape and land-use change during the medieval period, it is clear that natural
75 Small, A. Dark Age Scotland. In G. W. Whittington and I D. Whyte (Eds) An Historical Geography of Scotland: 25 – 46. London: Academic Press. 76 Schofield, J. 1999. Landscapes of the Middle Ages: Towns. In J. Hunter and I. Ralston (eds) The Archaeology of Britain: An introduction from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Industrial Revolution: 210 – 227. London: Routledge. 77 http://www.dingwall.org.uk/History-Clans/History.aspx 78 Turnock, D. 1995. The Making of the Scottish Rural Landscape Aldershot: Scholar Press: 161.
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changes to the landscape have been far less important than anthropogenic ones79. These were caused in part by a general increase in population, leading to a greater demand for arable and pastoral farming. Complex communal run-rig systems of agriculture developed in the later medieval period. Divisions of land comprised “infield”, representing accessible, good quality land close to townships, and “outfield”, which was more marginal. Upland, outfield areas were exploited as summer pasture for livestock, with moorland expanding at the expense of forest. The larger settlements were clustered in the lowland areas, with scattered shielings (seasonally occupied shelters) in the uplands80.
9.4.3.4 Post-medieval (1560 AD – 1900 AD) The post-medieval period is notable for two particular events that changed the landscape of Scotland; the agricultural revolution and the industrial revolution. Of the two, given the predominantly rural character of Study Area A, changes associated with the agricultural revolution are the most prominent.
A system of landownership and land-use developed during the middle of the post-medieval period, based on the clan society. The system of run-rig, with pasture held in common, and communal traditions of herding, harvesting, peat-cutting and building prevailed until the early eighteenth century. Subsequently, clan chiefs and their immediate families occupied the summit of Highland society, with cadet branches and more distant relations holding davochs (groups of farms held in feu or wadset; a type of mortgage) from the chief. Tacksmen, representing substantial farmers, held 19-year long leases, with lesser farmers, joint-tenants, crofters, subtenants and cottars occupying more junior positions within rural society. Tacksmen and other agriculturalists tended to live in thatched, turf-walled huts before 1745. These were gradually replaced with slated, stone and lime houses81.
The nature of high-status settlement sites changes gradually through this period, with the castles of the Middle Ages being abandoned in favour of dwellings which allowed more comfort, such as tower houses at Craig Castle (RSK Site 120), Kinkell Castle (RSK Site 133) and Castle Leod (RSK Site 138), leading eventually to stately homes, such as at Novar (RSK Site 140). Major changes were witnessed in the Highlands in terms of infrastructure development, especially after the uprising of 1745. These took the form of military roads under Wade and the construction of Fort George, as well as Thomas Telford’s programme of road, bridge and canal construction. Planned villages, such as Evanton, were also built during this period82, and the rural landscape changed in response to the demands of forestry plantation and deerstalking from the eighteenth century83. The parishes of Alness, Dingwall
79 Price, R. J. 1983. Scotland’s Environment during the last 30,000 years. Edinburgh: Scottish Academic Press: 196. 80 Turnock, D. 1995. The Making of the Scottish Rural Landscape Aldershot: Scholar Press. 81 Information from The Birth of the Modern Highlands, an exhibition at the Highland Archives. Visited 23/01/12 82 Watson, W. J. 1904. Place Names of Ross and Cromarty. Northern Counties: Inverness. 83 Information from The Birth of the Modern Highlands, an exhibition at the Highland Archives. Visited 23/01/12
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and Kiltearn formed part of what Devine84 considered “the farming parishes” of the nineteenth century, more similar in agricultural systems to the improved Lowlands than to the “crofting parishes” of the Western Highlands and Islands, where a subsistence economy prevailed. These farming parishes had large pastoral farms sitting alongside mixed agricultural holdings, and Alness and Kiltearn witnessed heavy rates of out-migration during the nineteenth century85, visible to this day within Study Area B through roofless, abandoned crofts and farmsteads in the hills, along Glen Glass, Clare plantation (previously arable farm country, according to the Statistical Account of Scotland86) and Strath Sgitheach. In 1791 the highland district of Kiltearn (in which the Site is located) remained “wild and uncultivated”87, with the foothills around Ben Wyvis contained “a great deal of heath and coarse grass, which is excellent pasture for cattle, and the forest is well stocked with deer”.
9.4.3.5 Modern (1901 AD – Present) The modern period in the Highland sees considerable and extensive changes in land-use. A review commissioned by Scottish Natural Heritage88 shows significant increases in coniferous plantation and rough grassland at the expense of heather moorland and mixed and broadleaved woodland between the 1940s and 1980s. Within Study Area A, heather moorland has been replaced by extensive coniferous woodland, and heather-dominated blanket mire has been drained on the Site. Also apparent in recent years has been the introduction of onshore wind turbines (see Figure 8.28), now located to the northeast (Novar) and southwest (Fairburn) of the Site within Study Area B.
9.4.4 Known Archaeological and Heritage Resources
9.4.4.1 Scheduled Monuments (SMs) There are no SMs within the Site or along the proposed access track to the Site. There are two SMs within Study Area A. These are:
• Balnacrae Chambered Cairn (RSK Site 1), located 870m to the southeast of the Site boundary, and 1.1km from the nearest turbine;
• Eileanach Lodge settlement and field system (RSK Site 2), located 1.6km to the northeast of the Site boundary, and 2.2km from the nearest turbine.
84 Devine, T. M. The Great Highland Famine: Hunger, Emigration and the Scottish Highlands in the Nineteenth Century. Hartnolls: Bodmin. 85 Mackenzie, A. 1883. History of the Highland Clearances. Reprinted 1986. Billing and Sons: London and Worcester. 86 Robertson, H. 1791. The Parish of Kiltearn. In J. Sinclair (Ed) The Statistical Account of Scotland: 1791-1799: Volume XVII: Inverness-shire, Ross and Cromarty. Reprinted 1981. Redwood Burn: Trowbridge. 87 Ibid 466. 88 Mackey, E. C., M. C. Shewry and G. J. Tudor. 1998. Land Cover Change: Scotland from the 1940s to the 1980s.
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There are a total of 66 SMs within Study Area B (Appendix 9.1). There are no monuments proposed for scheduling within Study Area B.
9.4.4.2 Inventory Historic Battlefields There are no Inventory Historic Battlefields within Study Area B. The nearest inventory battlefield is Culloden, located 29km to the southeast of the Site.
9.4.4.3 Conservation Areas The Site does not lie within a conservation area, and there are no conservation areas within Study Area A. The nearest conservation areas are Strathpeffer, located 7.6km to the southwest of the Site, and Dingwall, located 6.2km to the southeast of the Site.
9.4.4.4 Listed Buildings There are no listed buildings (LBs) within the Site or within Study Area A. There are 10 LBs within 5km of the centre of the Site, including:
• Drynie House (RSK Site 78), a Category C(S) LB located 4.9km south of the nearest turbine;
• Tulloch Castle folly (RSK Site 79), a Category A LB located 4.6km southeast of the nearest turbine;
• Tulloch Castle and bridge (RSK Site 80), a Category B LB located 5.5km southeast of the nearest turbine;
• Mains of Tulloch farm (RSK Site 81), a Category B LB located 5.5km southeast of the nearest turbine;
• Mountgerald (of Clyne) house (RSK Site 82), a Category B LB located 5.4km southeast of the nearest turbine;
• Lemlair (RSK Site 83), a Category B LB located 6.1km southeast of the nearest turbine;
• Mains of Foulis (RSK Site 84), a Category B LB located 5.9km southeast of the nearest turbine;
• Foulis Castle (RSK Site 85), a Category A LB located 6.1km of the nearest turbine;
• Gatepiers of Foulis Castle (RSK Site 86), a Category C(S) LB located 6.1km southeast of the nearest turbine; and
• Assynt House (RSK Site 87), a Category B LB located 6.1km east of the nearest turbine.
There are a further 9 Category A LBs located within 15km of the centre of the Site (Study Area B). These are detailed in Appendix 9.1 and identified on Figure 9.2.
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9.4.4.5 Inventory Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes There are no inventory Historic Gardens or Designed Landscapes (HGDLs) within the Site or Study Area A. There are six HGDLs within Study Area B:
• Ardross Castle (RSK Site 136) located 9.2km northeast of the nearest turbine;
• Brahan (RSK Site 137), located 8.8km south of the nearest turbine;
• Castle Leod (RSK Site 138), located 6.5km southwest of the nearest turbine;
• Fairburn (RSK Site 139), located 13.1km southwest of the nearest turbine;
• Novar (RSK Site 140), located 7.3km east of the nearest turbine; and
• The Spa Gardens, Strathpeffer (RSK Site 141), located 8.0km south of the nearest turbine.
9.4.4.6 Non-scheduled Heritage Assets There are 54 non-scheduled heritage assets within Study Area A recorded on the Highland Council HER and NMRS. These are grouped by importance below.
Medium Importance
There are 16 sites recorded in the HER and NMRS considered of medium importance. All are outwith the Site, and most are likely to date from prehistoric periods. Within Strath Sgitheach, there are the remains of a cairnfield and hut circles (RSK Sites 12, 8 and 17) as well as settlements (RSK Sites 16, 20 and 23), a cup-marked rock (RSK Site 21) and a kerb cairn (RSK Site 10). Glac Bhan, on the southern side of the Sgitheach, has records of a hut circle (RSK Site 26) as well as townships and head dykes (RSK Sites 31 and 33). Cairnfields and hut circles are also recorded at Cnoc nan Each (RSK Site 14) and Torr Na H-Uamhaig (RSK Site 42), with a field system and hut circles at Cnoc A’ Mhargadaidh (RSK Site 48). There is also a cairn with cupmarkings near Redburn (RSK Site 64).
Low Importance
There are 30 sites from the NMRS and HER interpreted as of low importance. These include post-medieval farmsteads such as Strath Sgitheach (RSK Site 7), Knockantoul (RSK Site 24), Clare (RSK Site 25, 28, 29 and 38), Allt Bog Na H-Aimhne (RSK Site 30), Creag Nam Fitheach (RSK Site 35), Bogandurie (RSK Site 37), Cnoc an Oir (RSK Site 44), Eilean Dubh (RSK Site 49), Rhidorach (RSK Site 51), Knockmartin (RSK Site 52) Lynechork (RSK Site 53) and Uig (RSK Site 142). Other structures include a possible shieling hut by the Allt nan Caorach (RSK Site 6), a sheepfold at Badgharohaidh (RSK Site 27), a boathouse on Loch Agoo (RSK Site 47), and buildings at Dunruadh (RSK Site 36) and Fannyfield (RSK Sites 43 and 45).
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Enclosures are also well represented, at Strath Sgitheach (RSK Sites 11 and 13), Abhainn Sgitheach (RSK Site 22), Glac Bhan (RSK Site 39), and Bruachdian (RSK Site 50). Further sites considered of low importance include a boundary dyke in Strath Sgitheach (RSK Site 9), an aircraft crash site at Glen Glass (RSK Site 32), a field system at Dubh Chlais (RSK Site 34), boundary stones west of Swordale (RSK Site 54) and a findspot of a cremation urn (RSK Site 46) near Cnoc A’ Mhargadaidh.
Negligible Importance
There are eight sites from the NMRS and HER interpreted as being of negligible importance. These include the recorded but discounted location of a cairnfield and hut circle at Cnoc nan Each (RSK Site 4 – likely to be a less precise recording of RSK Site 14), St. Colman’s Well (RSK Site 5 – located only as being within the parish of Kiltearn) and cup- marked rocks at Swordale (RSK Site 41). Place name references to a possible fort at Dunruadh (RSK Site 3) and Clach Liath (RSK Site 40) are also considered of negligible importance. Other sites include a pair of sheepfolds (RSK Sites 15 and 19) and a dyke (RSK Site 18).
9.4.5 Map Regression
9.4.5.1 Blaeu’s Atlas of Scotland (1654) Blaeu’s Atlas of Scotland is based on surveys undertaken by Robert Gordon. It shows “Ben Weves” (Ben Wyvis), the Allt nan Caorach and “Loch Glash” (Loch Glass). The nearest settlements to the Site and proposed access track depicted are “Sowardill” (Swordale) and “Balnacoul” (on the northwest side of the River Glass, likely to by Balnarge).
9.4.5.2 Moll, H. The Shires of Ross and Cromartie (1745) Moll’s Atlas is at a lower scale than Blaeu’s, and shows Study Area A in less detail. It identifies “Ben Weves” and “Balncaoul”, and depicts the River Glass and Loch Glass.
9.4.5.3 Roy’s Military Survey of Scotland: Highlands (1752 – 1755) Roy’s Military Survey, conducted following the uprising of 1745, is the first to depict the Site and Study Area A in any detail. No settlements are shown within the Site or along the proposed access track to the Site. The banks of the Allt nan Caorach is depicted as cultivated and unenclosed to the north of Cnoc a’ Mhargadaidh and around the settlement of Aldgarroch (RSK Site 62, meaning “sheep burn”, and dangerous for sheep according to Watson89) to the north of the burn. The Site is depicted as open land, rising to the west and east (corresponding to Cnoc nan Each and Meall na Speireig), with mire depicted in the centre (corresponding to the Allt na h-Eiridh).
89 Watson, W. J. 1904. Place Names of Ross and Cromarty. Northern Counties: Inverness.
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Smaller, discrete areas of cultivation are shown around the farmsteads of Clare (RSK Site 29), “Patty Garvie” (probably corresponding to RSK Site 2) and unnamed settlements around Clare (possibly corresponding to RSK Site 38), and the River Glass (probably corresponding to RSK Sites 51, 52 and 63).
9.4.5.4 Thomson’s Atlas (1832) John Thomson’s Atlas of 1832 names the Allt nan Caorach (forming the northern boundary of the Site) as “Aldlagaroch” and depicts it draining into the Allt Graad. Ben Wyvis and the farmstead of Clare (RSK Site 29) are also depicted.
9.4.5.5 Plan of Fowlis Estate, Kiltearn (1861) This plan does not show the Site, but does show part of Study Area A in considerable detail, and is bordered by the estates and lands of Tulloch, Clare, Swordale, Mountgerald, Teandallon and Balcony. A structure called Bog-na-Amhin (RSK Site 30) is depicted next to the Allt Drolhie in the southwest part of Study Area A. Evanton (built around 180090 is depicted for the first time on the map.
9.4.5.6 First Edition Ordnance Survey (surveyed 1875, published 1871) The first edition Ordnance Survey is the first available detailed systematic survey of the Site. The entirety of the Site is depicted as moorland. An area of probable peat extraction is depicted as an artificial depression on the northwest side of Cnoc nan Each, linked by a path to the farmstead of Knockantoul (RSK Site 24), before branching out to connect other farmsteads located in what is now Clare Plantation (RSK Sites 29: Balachreik, 38: Knockgurman, 58: Balnacrae, 59: Gortan, 60: Loanick, and 61: Balmeanach). The chambered cairn of Balnacrae (RSK Site 1) is depicted as a “Stone Circle (remains of)”. A ford, well and footbridge are depicted where the proposed access track crosses the Allt nan Caorach (RSK Site 55). The former settlement west of Eileanach Lodge (RSK Site 2) is named as “Badghal-bhaidh”. Glen Glass is depicted as less forested than is the present case, with enclosed fields and scattered farmsteads forming the northeastern side of the glen, and the Glen Glass road following its modern course. Close to the proposed access track to the Site lie the farmstead of Uig (RSK Site 142) and an unnamed structure to the south of this (RSK Site 143).
9.4.6 Aerial Photography Aerial photography was interrogated from four sources: RCAHMS, the Highland Council Archives, and photography provided by Coriolis Energy and the North of Scotland Archaeological Society.
90 Watson, W. J. 1904. Place Names of Ross and Cromarty. Northern Counties: Inverness.
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The earliest aerial photography dated to the late 1940s and 1950 (through RCAHMS and the Council archives). This showed Cnoc nan Each as a patchwork of modified moorland, suggesting differential drainage or peat extraction. The drainage channels present on the Site appear as a natural pattern of rivulets draining into the Allt nan Caorach or the Allt nan Eiridh. The portion of the Site to the west of the Allt na h-Eiridh is shown as a more uniform layer of peaty moorland, suggesting less extraction or drainage activity. The Allt nan Caorach is depicted as forested along its banks to the northeast of the Site. Along the proposed access track to the Site, the River Glass is shown as forested in the northern part of Study Area A, with areas of open moorland with peat cutting and drainage channels to the north of the Allt nan Caorach and west of the River Glass. Commercial forestry is shown between the Glen Glass road and the River Glass to the south of Tighnacraig, with the rectilinear fields around Balnarge and Auchnagaul (now under forestry) and Uig, except along watercourses. Subsequent (1960s to 1980s) mapping from RCAHMS shows deep ploughing for conifers and, later, afforestation around Clare Plantation and Torranan Sleibh (to the east of the Site). The system of moorland grips installed on the Site during the 1950s to drain the peat is also apparent, with more linear drainage channels replacing the meandering, natural channels apparent in pre-1950s mapping.
Modern, 25cm-resolution vertical aerial photography of the Site, provided by Coriolis, was examined. This showed the extensive system of moorland grips established across the Site in the 1950s as a series of faint parallel lines running into the Allt na h-Eiridh. Extensive areas of disturbance are shown on Cnoc nan Each, presumably the result of peat cutting in the 19th and 20th centuries (RSK Site 145). The forestry depicted on Cnoc nan Each in modern OS mapping is not visible. The western half of the Site appears less disturbed by peat cutting. Oblique aerial photography taken by the North of Scotland Archaeological Survey in snowy conditions shows the extensive buried remains of identified and previously unidentified archaeological sites within Strath Sgitheach to the south of the Site. The Site itself is located within the background of the photos, but no heritage assets are apparent within the Site.
9.4.7 Site Visit The Site, proposed access track to the Site and its surroundings were visited between 26th and 28th September 2011 by two qualified RSK archaeologists accompanied by a forester, Cameron Ross of Crosscut Forestry. Weather conditions were changeable but clear. The visibility of earthworks (if they rose above the peat) was good in open moorland areas (i.e. the Site) and poor in the plantation forestry that made up the majority of the proposed access track to the Site.
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The west side of the Site comprises modified and unmodified blanket peat bog, draining into the Allt na h-Eiridh and Allt nan Caorach (Plates 1 and 2). The west side of the Site is accessed by a narrow track (apparent on modern OS mapping) used for deerstalking. Peat hagging and eroding channels were visible, with modern moorland grips also present. A single site: St. Colman’s Well (RSK Site 5) was identified within the western half of the Site. This is a low-precision record indicating from historical sources indicating that a holy well is located within Kiltearn parish.
The summit of Cnoc nan Each (forming the southeast quarter of the Site) and the western side of the hill consisted of moorland that had been extensively modified by peat cutting and erosion (RSK Site 145: Plate 3). Although marked as mixed forestry on OS mapping, the true extent of the establishing forest was much reduced, and limited to the eastern, more sheltered side of the hill (Plate 4). The saddle of Cnoc nan Each contained peat cuttings aligned east to west (Plate 5). These were typically between 30cm and 1.2m in depth and degraded. They have not been worked in living memory91. On the north side of the saddle (forming the northeast corner of the Site) there are further peat cuttings, but these are neither as systematic nor as dense as on the south side of Cnoc nan Each, appearing irregular, and probably extensively modified by subsequent water action on the cuttings. The boundary to the Allt nan Caorach (RSK Site 18) was not identified within the Site, and has been replaced by modern deer-proof fencing (Plate 6).
Along the proposed access track to the Site south of the Allt nan Caorach, the track is oriented through rides between dense, semi-mature conifers over moorland, following the route of an existing forestry track. The area of the track around the Allt nan Caorach descends a steep defile of mature deciduous woodland and self-seeding conifers. A concrete hydroelectric installation is located immediately upstream of the new proposed bridge crossing the stream, The area to the north of the burn, where the footbridge and well of RSK Site 55 were once located, have been extensively modified and landscaped in recent times, presumably to provide a temporary compound for the construction of the hydroelectric installation and to allow the passage of forestry vehicles, although the ford is still present (Plate 7). The settlement of “Aldgarroch” (RSK Site 62) identified on Roy’s map was not visible along the proposed access track during the site visit.
Along the existing Glen Glass public road to be widened as part of the Development, second rotation, mid-term forestry and establishing, self-seeded mixed woodland predominated within the river valley adjacent to the road. The enclosure at Bruachdian was identified within forestry to the north of the road, on the north side of the Allt Bad na Glaice (Plate 8). Where the proposed access track to the Site departs from the public road and skirts the north side of Glen Glass, the former farmstead of Uig (RSK Site 142) is apparent
91 Cameron Ross, Crosscut Forestry, pers. comm. 2011
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as a roofless structure that had been occupied in living memory92. No remains of a potential satellite structure (RSK Site 143) were identified during the site visit. However, the remains of the structure are occasionally visible within the field as stones, the structure having been heavily disturbed by forestry operations93. The track enters areas of established and establishing coniferous plantation (Plate 9) before joining the existing Novar and Novar Extension wind farm access track.
9.4.8 Geotechnical Information Peat depth information was compiled during the preparation of the Peat Hazard Assessment (Appendix 5.1) and Habitats and Mammals Report (Appendix 6.1) as part of the EIA, and observations were made during the site visit.
It is clear that blanket peat has been present on the Site for a considerable length of time. Depths of up to 4.17m of peat are recorded within the Site, indicating accumulation throughout a significant proportion of the Holocene and it is likely that it initiated in the prehistoric period. The identification of tree stumps (no cultural modification observed) in the peat close to the base of the peat (Plate 10) provides evidence for at least partial colonisation of the Site with trees in the distant past.
9.4.9 Archaeological Potential The archaeological potential of the Site and proposed access track to the Site are discussed separately below. The only evidence for previous activity observed within the Site during the site visit were a modern unmetalled track and post-medieval peat cutting; however the lack of intrusive survey leaves a potential for sub-surface archaeological remains, and even earthworks present on the Site obscured beneath the thickness of peat. While prehistoric occupation and ritual sites are present within Study Area A, these are located at up to 340m AOD in the case of settlements (Cnoc nan Each prehistoric settlement: RSK Site 14) and 250m AOD in the case of ritual monuments (Balnacrae chambered cairn: RSK Site 1), whereas the lowest part of the Site lies at 336m AOD, and well-draining parts of the site are 400m to 600m AOD. The Site is marginal in terms of its suitability for continuous occupation and exploitation during the modern period, and this characteristic is likely to have been the case during historical and late prehistoric periods. The density of identified prehistoric and early historic occupation sites within Strath Sgitheach and Glen Glass in Study Area A suggest that occupation was focused on the lower straths and glens. Instead, as was the case during the post-medieval period, seasonal use of the Site is most likely. In historical periods, this is likely to have taken the form of grazing for Highland black cattle (as indicated in the Statistical Account of Scotland
92 Cameron Ross, Crosscut Forestry, pers. comm. 2011 93 Cameron Ross, Crosscut Forestry, pers. comm. 2011
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for Kiltearn parish94), deerstalking (as indicated in the Valuation Rolls95 for Kiltearn parish in 1868) and peat cutting (as visible on aerial photos, historic mapping and during the site visit). During prehistoric periods, similar activities of hunting, grazing and peat extraction are likely to have also taken place, albeit using differing technologies and species and at reduced levels of intensity. In summary, the archaeological potential for settlements and permanent structural remains within the Site is considered to be negligible. The potential for encountering remains from seasonal exploitation of the Site (e.g. temporary enclosures, evidence of temporary shelters, and artefacts such as arrowheads or peat cutting tools such as turf spades) is considered to be moderate. The proposed access track to the Site passes through territory that is more appropriate for habitation and continuous exploitation, as suitable conditions for permanent settlement and arable agriculture are located within Glen Glass. However, the proposed access route to the Site has also been subject to coniferous forestry plantation of varying ages. Although the conditions indicate high potential, disturbance caused through such recent land-use activities has reduced the considered potential of encountering archaeological remains (whether from prehistoric or historic periods) to moderate. The likelihood of encountering intact deposits is discussed in greater detail below. The area of the proposed access track to the south of the Allt nan Caorach is covered in mid-term coniferous forestry plantation. Where the track deviates from this, it follows the route of an existing forestry track (Figure 9.1). The potential for encountering intact archaeological deposits in this area is negligible due to disturbance from forestry activities. Between the Allt nan Caorach and the Glen Glass public road, the proposed access track follows an existing forestry track that passes through an area that has been modified in recent years through the construction of the Novar hydroelectric scheme. The potential for encountering intact archaeological deposits in this area is low. Along the Glen Glass public road, the potential for encountering intact archaeological deposits (potentially disturbed by road widening) is negligible, as the area is under second- rotation forestry. On the northeast side of the Glen Glass public road, the proposed access track to the Site follows an existing forestry track through mid-term plantation, before diverging from the existing track to pass through establishing, recently planted conifers to the south of Uig. The potential for encountering intact archaeological deposits in these areas is negligible due to disturbance from forestry activities.
94 Robertson, H. 1791. The Parish of Kiltearn. In J. Sinclair (Ed) The Statistical Account of Scotland: 1791-1799: Volume XVII: Inverness-shire, Ross and Cromarty. Reprinted 1981. Redwood Burn: Trowbridge. 95 Valuation Rolls for the County of Ross, 1868-9. Kiltearn parish.
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9.5 Project Characteristics
9.5.1 Potential Physical Impacts of the Development The Development would involve several activities during the construction phase, which have the potential for a physical impact on both buried and upstanding archaeological and cultural heritage resources. These activities include:
• Excavations for turbine foundations;
• Excavations for crane hard standing areas;
• Excavations for temporary construction compounds;
• Excavations for access tracks (including improvements to existing road systems to allow for access of construction traffic);
• Excavation for the control building/substation; and
• Excavation of service trenches and cable routes.
Based on the assessment of archaeological potential outlined in Section 9.4.9 above, the likelihood of encountering previously unrecorded buried archaeological remains within the footprint of the Development is considered to be negligible to moderate.
9.5.2 Potential Impacts on the Setting of Cultural Heritage Receptors The Development has the potential to impact visually and indirectly on the setting of cultural heritage receptors during its construction phase (albeit temporarily) and operational phase, described as follows:
• Interruption of sight lines and monument intervisibility is possible where the heritage asset is superseded in terms of landscape prominence and/or dominance by the Development, thus diminishing appreciation of the monument as it was originally intended or has subsequently been perceived.
• Views into, out of, and within the area of interest; the visual impact is caused if the Development becomes a significant factor in the views from the protected site or to it from the surrounding landscape. This is especially relevant if the designation description specifically references the landscape (or townscape) setting as fundamental to significance.
Possible indirect impacts can also include:
• Change in levels of noise or movement at a designated asset within 1km of a turbine; and
• Light (flicker) at a designated asset located within 1km and to the north of a turbine.
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9.6 Predicted Impacts
9.6.1 Site-specific physical impacts Of six identified potential archaeological sites within or partially within the Site and along the proposed access track to the Site (Figure 9.1), two were identified as being low-precision records for sites located outwith the Site (RSK Sites 5 and 18). Three are located within 50m of the proposed access track to the Site (the micro-siting tolerance for the Development) and thus could theoretically suffer an adverse physical impact during the construction phase of the Development, considered in Table 9.6. RSK Site 145 is located within the Site, and could be impacted by Development infrastructure such as access tracks, borrow pits or turbine bases.
Table 9.6: Archaeological sites within 50m of proposed Development installations.
RSK Site Name Comments Site 50 West End Map regression identified an enclosure, confirmed during the site visit (Bruachdian) as a stone-built enclosure within forestry on the north side of the Allt Bad na Glaice. The proposed access track to the Site follows the existing public road through Glen Glass as it passes within 25m of the enclosure. The Allt Bad na Glaice burn lies between the existing public road and the enclosure. Of low importance, a moderate physical change is predicted, as the proposed area for road widening lies within the 50m micrositing tolerance for the Development. This leads to a slight impact. This is not a significant impact. 55 Allt nan Map regression identified a ford, footbridge and well on 1st Edition OS Caorach mapping. Only the ford is depicted on modern OS mapping, and the ford, area has been extensively disturbed by construction work associated footbridge with a hydro scheme along the Allt nan Caorach. and well The ford is presently used by forestry traffic accessing the Site. Of negligible importance, a moderate impact is predicted, leading to no impact. 143 Uig Map regression identified a single structure to the south of Uig on 1st Edition OS mapping, now no longer depicted and not identified during the site visit. Of negligible importance, a moderate impact is predicted, leading to no impact. 145 Cnoc nan There are a considerable number of peat banks and peat cuttings within Each, peat the Site, particularly on the southern part of Cnoc nan Each, visible as a banks series of parallel banks running east to west, and dating to the nineteenth century, prior to the abandonment of the crofts and farmsteads in Clare Plantation. These peat banks are diffuse and extensive in nature. Of low importance, a moderate impact is predicted, leading to a slight impact. This is not a significant impact
9.6.2 Assessment of Impact on Setting Of the 71 designated heritage receptors within Study Area B, 36 were identified outwith the ZTV. Descriptions of the setting and assessment of impact are provided for all remaining sites within the Gazetteer (Appendix 9.1).
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A more detailed assessment of impact has been undertaken (below) for a selected number of heritage assets, based on their potential sensitivity and/or proximity to the Development.
9.6.2.1 Balnacrae Chambered Cairn SM (RSK Site 1) Balnacrae chambered cairn SM is fully described in Appendix 9.1. Archaeological evidence in the river valley of Strath Sgitheach comprises prehistoric mortuary monuments (such as the chambered cairns, RSK Sites 1 and 73) and potentially contemporaneous settlements (such as RSK Site 14 and 72), overlain by historical activity in the form of farmsteads, sheepfolds, enclosures and field systems (represented by numerous undesignated sites within the valley). At 250m AOD, Balnacrae chambered cairn is located in a prominent position on a southeast facing slope overlooking the Abhainn Sgitheach. It is in poor condition, heavily denuded of stones, with a likely south facing entrance (see Plate 11).
Figure 8.10 best demonstrates the setting of the monument within the valley, located at a bearing of approximately 10° within the photomontage. The setting of Balnacrae chambered cairn is Strath Sgitheach, within which are uninterrupted lines of sight to contemporaneous monuments and features in the valley, primarily to the southwest.
The setting of the heritage asset is defined by an interpreted ‘shared setting’ with receptors in and around the valley, including: the prehistoric settlement and cup-marked rocks of Strath Sgitheach (RSK Site 72), located 2.4km to the southwest, and Heights of Brae chambered cairn (RSK Site 73), located 3.5km to the southwest on the southern heights above the strath. Balnacrae chambered cairn is overlooked by RSK Site 14, the prehistoric settlement and cairnfield of Cnoc nan Each, located 0.7km to the northwest. This valley setting has been recently modified through the planting of commercial coniferous plantation, located approximately 50m to the north and east of the monument. There is also more recent, mixed plantation occupying an area to the northwest of the monument. At the time of assessment, the mature conifer plantation (forming part of Clare Plantation) is likely to be harvested and reseeded for a second rotation96. Therefore the current extensive masking of turbines (located 1.1km to the northwest of the monument) would not persist for the operational phase of the Development, but would vary according the growth and harvesting of the plantation Seven Development turbines would be visible from the monument (Figure 9.397). During the consultation process, Historic Scotland identified that if Development turbines were to form the backdrop of views from the Heights of Brae cairn (RSK Site 73) towards the Balnacrae cairn (RSK Site 1), this could represent a significant adverse impact on the setting of both monuments. The assessment has identified that whilst Development turbines are not
96 Cameron Ross, Crosscut Forestry, pers. comm. 2011 97 Distance to development: 1.1km; Altitude: 250m; angle of view: 76°; direction: 360°
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proposed within the defined setting of the monument, oblique views of turbines would be possible when Balnacrae (RSK Site 1) is observed from Heights of Brae (RSK Site 73), as shown in Figure 9.6. It is not considered, however, that there is a significant relationship between the monuments and the view affected. Visibility of Development turbines would neither sever intended relationships between contemporaneous heritage assets within the valley, nor interfere with interpretations of the significance of monuments within the shared setting.
The magnitude of impact is rated as negligible on a receptor of high importance, resulting in a slight adverse impact that is not considered significant. Analysis of wirelines from Balnacrae chambered cairn suggests that the existing Novar wind farm would be visible from this receptor. However, this wasn’t the case during the site visit due to intervening coniferous plantation located immediately to the north of the receptor. Should this plantation be cleared in the future, occasional glimpsed views of blade tips may be possible. There is no visibility of Novar Extension or Fairburn wind farms; therefore no cumulative impact is predicted.
9.6.2.2 Eileanach Lodge Settlement and Field System SM (RSK Site 2) Eileanach Lodge SM, by its nature, was deliberately sited in low-lying, fertile land near the River Glass. The site comprises subsurface and surface features, prominent only from within the designation boundary (Plate 12). Further undesignated features are located outwith the designated boundary of the monument. The setting of the monument consists of the extent of the scheduled area and surrounding related undesignated assets in the vicinity, such as a large oval sheepfold. This setting, however, has been recently modified through commercial coniferous forestry plantation which is present up to the designation boundary. At the time of assessment, there was no visibility of Development turbines due to screening by commercial coniferous forestry plantation. However, this is unlikely to be retained for the duration of the operational phase of the Development98, so visibility of Development turbines 2.1km to the southwest would be possible in future (see Figure 9.499).
Development turbines are not proposed within the setting of the receptor. Although the assessment has identified that turbines may be visible from the receptor, it is not considered that these views would interfere with the setting of the heritage asset. The magnitude of impact is rated as no change on a receptor of high importance, therefore no impact is predicted. No cumulative impact is anticipated from the Novar Extension wind farm to the northeast.
98 Cameron Ross, Crosscut Forestry, pers. comm. 2011 99 Distance to development: 2.2km; Altitude: 253m; angle of view: 76°; direction: 216°
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9.6.2.3 Strath Sgitheach Settlement SM (RSK Site 72) and Undesignated Prehistoric Sites within Strath Sgitheach (RSK Sites 10, 12, 14 and 17). Strath Sgitheach SM (fully described in Appendix 9.1) comprises seven hut circles, six cup- marked rocks, and numerous cairns located on the northwest slope above the Abhainn Sgitheach. Further, undesignated features such as enclosures, field systems and hut circles are also present within Strath Sgitheach, outwith the designated boundary of the monument (e.g RSK Sites 10, 12, 14, 17 and 20).
RSK Site 72 shares a setting with the other prehistoric monuments within Strath Sgitheach, as bound by Meall a’ Ghuall and Cioch Mhor to the north and Heights of Brae and Heights of Docharty to the south. It is intervisible with Balnacrae chambered cairn (RSK Site 1), which may be contemporary. Visibility to Heights of Brae chambered cairn (RSK Site 73) is partly obscured by coniferous plantation adjacent to the settlement.
Seven Development turbines would be visible from the monument, with topography screening the remaining turbines (Figure 9.5100).
Development turbines are not proposed within the setting of the receptor, nor directly within lines of sight between intervisible monuments. The Development would not affect intended intervisibility or interfere with interpreted relationships between designated sites within the valley (see Figure 9.5 and Plate 13).
Regarding the SM, the magnitude of impact is rated as no change on a receptor of high importance, therefore no impact is predicted. Regarding the undesignated sites of likely prehistoric date (RSK Sites 10, 12, 14 and 17), the magnitude of impact is rated as no change on receptors of medium importance, therefore no impacts are predicted.
9.6.2.4 Heights of Brae Chambered Cairn (RSK Site 73) Heights of Brae SM (fully described in Appendix 9.1) consists of a polygonal chamber and bank conforming to the Orkney-Cromarty type. It is located 3.9km to the south of the nearest turbine, on a raised plateau (around 250m AOD) between Strath Sgitheach (to the north) and Strath Peffer to the south. Strath Conon and the Cromarty Firth to the south are visible on clear days, as well as Corrie Mhor, Ben Wyvis and Meall an Tuirc to the north.
The monument is prominent within its immediate surroundings and thus the setting of RSK Site 73 consists of the boundary of the scheduled area and the shared setting of Strath Sgitheach between RSK Sites 1, 72 and 73. It is intervisible with Balnacrae chambered cairn (RSK Site 1, located 3.5km to the northeast), which may be contemporary. Visibility to Strath Sgitheach prehistoric settlement (RSK Site 72, located 0.9km to the north) is partly obscured by coniferous plantation adjacent to the settlement.
Nine Development turbines would be visible from the monument. There would be oblique views only of Development turbines when Balnacrae (RSK Site 1) is observed from Heights
100 Distance to development: 2.9km; Altitude: 258m; angle of view: 76°; direction: 12°
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of Brae (RSK Site 72). There would be no impact on intervisibility between monuments within Strath Sgitheach or intrusion into interpreted relationships between designated sites within the valley (see Figure 9.6101 and Plate 14). The magnitude of impact is rated as negligible on an asset of high importance leading to a slight significance of impact. This is not a significant impact.
In terms of cumulative impact assessment, the Heights of Brae chambered cairn also falls within the ZTV for the existing Novar and Fairburn wind farms, and the Novar extension wind farm currently under construction. Novar and Novar extension would be visible to the northeast of the Development, but at a distance of greater than 9km from the receptor. Therefore, no significant cumulative impact is predicted.
9.6.2.5 Craig Castle SM and Category A LB (RSK Site 120) Craig Castle SM and Category A LB is a ruined tower house located in enclosed pasture fields on the southeast bank of the Cromarty Firth (see Plate 15). The setting of RSK Site 120 consists of the boundary of the scheduled area and immediate surroundings in which it is prominent. This landscape setting is altered with modern infrastructure such as the Evanton spoolbase located to the north of the monument on the northwest bank of the Cromarty Firth. Development turbines are not proposed within the setting of the monument, but would be visible across the Cromarty Firth 10.3km to the northeast. The landscape position and scale of Development turbines would not interfere with the monument’s local prominence or the interpretation of significance. The magnitude of impact is rated as no change on a receptor of high importance, therefore no impact is predicted.
9.6.2.6 Fairburn Tower LB and HGDL (RSK Sites 129 and 139) Fairburn Tower LB and HGDL consists of a late 16th or early 17th century Category A listed tower house within a late 18th or early 19th century designed landscape. It occupies elevated, north facing ground above the River Conon. The HGDL consists of gardens, woodland and architectural features. It is considered of high architectural value, as the HGDL provides the setting for multiple Category B LBs, and outstanding horticultural and scenic value through the woodland garden (around Fairburn House) and open parkland.
The designed landscape around the formal core of the woodland garden consists of tree- lined pasture fields, with forestry on upland areas to the south. In terms of the HGDL’s scenic importance, the site visit identified key views within the receptor as the woodland garden viewed from Fairburn House, a Category B LB (see Plate 16), and along the tree-
101 Distance to development: 3.9km; Altitude: 243m; angle of view: 76°; direction: 32°
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lined driveway leading to the house from the east (Plate 17). Views out from the house and formal garden are extensively screened by the woodland garden. Fairburn Tower is a prominent feature and its setting is defined as the HGDL. The setting of the HGDL is defined as the designation boundary with particularly significant sight lines in either direction along the driveway leading to Fairburn House. The setting of the HGDL is altered through existing overhead power lines within its boundary. Development turbines are not proposed within the setting of the LB nor the HGDL. The prominence of the LB would remain unaffected. Key views from the LB over the designed elements of the HGDL would remain unaffected, and similarly, lines of sight drawn towards the LB along the driveway within the HGDL would remain unaffected. There would be distant views of turbines located 13.0km to the northeast from within farmland elements of the HGDL, and obliquely from the driveway within its designed landscape element (see Plate 18 and Figure 8.18). Neither view is considered a significant impact to designed elements of the HGDL. Regarding the LB, the magnitude of impact is rated as no change on a receptor of high importance, therefore no impact is predicted. Regarding the HGDL the magnitude of impact is rated as no change on a receptor of high importance, leading to no impact (see also Appendix 9.1).
In terms of cumulative impacts, both Novar and Fairburn wind turbines form part of the existing backdrop to the HGDL. The proposed Novar Extension turbines and Development turbines would also be visible, leading to an increase in the overall level of impact on the HGDL (RSK Site 139). Therefore, taking into account cumulative impacts, a negligible impact is predicted on a receptor of high importance, leading to a slight impact that is not considered significant.
9.6.2.7 Novar HGDL (RSK Site 140) and Gun Port Burial Mound SM (RSK Site 117) Novar HGDL is an 18th-century formal garden designed by General Hector Munro. It is considered to have outstanding historical, architectural and scenic value, high work of art and horticultural value, and of value in terms of archaeology. Novar HGDL is situated on the north side of the Cromarty Firth, on the southeast slopes of Cnoc Fyrish, to the northeast of Glen Glass. The focal points of the HGDL are Novar House, a southeast-facing manor house, and Mains of Novar, a farmstead which is approached by an avenue (see Plate 19) from the B817 road to the southeast. Other elements within the HGDL include a walled garden, offices and a burial mound (RSK Site 117). Open parklands form the majority of the HGDL, and are sheltered to the north, east and west by plantations (Plate 20). This directs long distance views southeast over the lower parklands, across the Cromarty Firth to the Black Isle. There are extensive woodland shelterbelts within the parkland.
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The setting of the HGDL consists of the boundary of the HGDL, with a key sightline being along the avenue running in a southeastern direction. The setting of the burial mound consists of the scheduled area and the monument’s immediate surroundings within the parkland. The ZTV indicates that there would be potential visibility in the southern part of the HGDL, with little visibility anticipated to the north. Woodland belts and adjacent forestry plantation provides additional screening of turbines within the HGDL. The nearest turbine would be located 8.0km east of the HGDL. Turbines are not proposed within the setting of the HGDL, nor would they intrude along key sightlines. Turbines are not proposed within the setting of the SM, nor would they interfere with its local prominence. The magnitude of impact on the HGDL is rated as no change on a receptor of high importance, leading to no impact (see also Appendix 9.1). In relation to the SM, the magnitude of impact is rated as no change on a receptor of high importance, therefore no impact is predicted.
9.7 Mitigation
9.7.1 Physical Impacts Archaeological strategies for mitigating potential physical impacts typically consider two options:
• Preservation in situ: the preservation without disturbance of sensitive archaeological remains This can be achieved through engineering solutions (e.g. foundation design) or minor amendments to the proposed development layout by micro-siting turbines; or
• Preservation by record (excavation): where preservation in situ is not feasible or desirable an alternative mitigation is pre-construction archaeological excavation. This consists of a detailed programme of archaeological fieldwork to preserve, by record, the archaeological value of the heritage asset.
No significant physical impacts are predicted through construction or operation of the Development. However, non-significant physical impacts on sites can be mitigated using the general principles outlined above.
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Table 9.7: Proposed mitigation on physical impacts arising from the Development
RSK Site Name Comments Mitigation Site
50 West End Enclosure considered of low Eliminate potential impact to (Bruachdian) importance, a moderate impact is the receptor through predicted, leading to a slight impact. engineering design, by This is not a significant impact. ensuring that road works on the Glen Glass road do not cross the Allt Bad na Glaice. 55 Allt nan Ford, footbridge and well. Monitor construction activities Caorach Of negligible importance, a moderate within a defined vicinity and ford, impact is predicted, leading to no record any identified footbridge impact. archaeological deposits or and well features during watching brief. 143 Uig Single structure to the south of Uig Monitor construction activities Of Negligible importance, a within a defined vicinity and Moderate impact is predicted, record any identified leading to no impact. archaeological deposits or features during watching brief. 145 Cnoc nan A considerable number of peat Map extent of peat cuttings Each, peat banks and peat cuttings within the prior to construction, where banks Site, particularly on the southern part these may be affected by the of Cnoc nan Each Development. Of Low importance, a Moderate Monitor construction activities impact is predicted, leading to a within a defined vicinity and Slight impact. This is not a record any identified significant impact archaeological deposits or features, and retain any artefacts during watching brief.
9.7.2 Impacts on Setting Slight, non-significant impacts were identified on the setting of three receptors: Balnacrae chambered cairn (RSK Site 1); Heights of Brae chambered cairn (RSK Site 73), and Fairburn HGDLs (RSK Site139) (see Figure 9.2 & Appendix 9.1). As outlined in Section 9.2: Methodology, the design process of the Development was iterative, in that impacts were continually predicted and the Development modified accordingly to reduce detrimental impacts. For the Development, this has involved siting turbines away from Balnacrae chambered cairn (RSK Site 1), outwith the mature coniferous forestry of Clare Plantation and avoiding turbines forming the backdrop to Balnacrae chambered cairn from Heights of Brae (RSK Site 73). No further mitigation concerning visual impacts is proposed.
9.8 Residual Impacts
Following implementation of a mitigation programme agreed with HCAU, physical archaeological impacts within the footprint of the Development would be fully mitigated. Accordingly, no further residual physical impacts are predicted to occur during the decommissioning phase.
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For the duration the operational phase of the Development, slight, non-significant visual impacts have been identified to three cultural heritage receptors within Study Area B (RSK Sites 1, 73 and 139). Following decommissioning, these impacts on setting would be fully reversible, leaving no residual impacts.
9.9 Cumulative Impacts
9.9.1 Physical Impacts In terms of physical impacts during construction, the cumulative physical impacts of other developments would be no greater than that of each individual development on the archaeological resource. Following the implementation of appropriate mitigation in the case of each development, there would be no cumulative impact on the archaeological resource within the Site.
9.9.2 Impacts on Setting The assessment of impact on setting in this chapter has concluded no significant impacts on designated cultural heritage receptors located within Study Area B. Assessment of potential cumulative impacts has been incorporated into the assessment of impacts made in Section 9.6.2 above and in the gazetteer in Appendix 9.1.
The Environmental Statement for Novar Extension102 (published in 2002) identified indirect impacts on the setting of:
• Wyvis Lodge (Site 2, corresponding to RSK Site 130);
• Eileanach Lodge (Site 3, corresponding to RSK Site 2);
• Boath (Site 4, corresponding to RSK Site 111);
• Carn na Feinne, (Site 5, corresponding to RSK Site 116);
• Ardross Castle (Site 6, corresponding to RSK Site 135); and
• Drumore (Site 12, corresponding to RSK Site 75).
Of these, Eileanach Lodge (RSK Site 2) and Ardross Castle (RSK Site 135) lie within the ZTV of the Development.
Further receptors have also been considered that lie outwith the 5km study area for the Novar Extension ES. These include:
• Balnacrae chambered cairn (RSK Site 1);
• Heights of Brae chambered cairn (RSK Site 73); and
• Fairburn HGDL (RSK Site 139).
As described in Section 9.6.2 above and in Appendix 9.1, no significant cumulative impacts are predicted from the Development.
102 National Wind Power Ltd. 2002. Extension to Novar Wind Farm, Evanton: Environmental Statement.
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9.10 References
Darvill, T. 1987. Prehistoric Britain. B. T. Batsford: London.
Devine, T. M. The Great Highland Famine: Hunger, Emigration and the Scottish Highlands in the Nineteenth Century. Hartnolls: Bodmin.
Edwards, K. J. and I. Ralston. 1984. Postglacial hunter-gatherers and vegetational history in Scotland. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 114: 15 – 34.
Historic Scotland. 2010. Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Setting.
Mackenzie, A. 1883. History of the Highland Clearances. Reprinted 1986. Billing and Sons: London and Worcester. Mackey, E. C., M. C. Shewry and G. J. Tudor. 1998. Land Cover Change: Scotland from the 1940s to the 1980s.
Morrison, I. A. 1983. Prehistoric Scotland. In G. W. Whittington and I D. Whyte (Eds) An Historical Geography of Scotland: 1 – 24. London: Academic Press.
National Wind Power Ltd. 2002. Extension to Novar Wind Farm, Evanton: Environmental Statement. Price, R. J. 1983. Scotland’s Environment during the last 30,000 years. Edinburgh: Scottish Academic Press.
Saville, A. 1997. Palaeolithic handaxes in Scotland Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 127: 1-16.
Robertson, H. 1791. The Parish of Kiltearn. In J. Sinclair (Ed) The Statistical Account of Scotland: 1791-1799: Volume XVII: Inverness-shire, Ross and Cromarty. Reprinted 1981. Redwood Burn: Trowbridge.
Ross, Cameron. Information provided during site visits on 26th to 28th September 2011. RSK. 2010. Clach Liath Wind Farm: Scoping Report.
Schofield, J. 1999. Landscapes of the Middle Ages: Towns. In J. Hunter and I. Ralston (eds) The Archaeology of Britain: An introduction from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Industrial Revolution: 210 – 227. London: Routledge.
Saville, A. 1997. Palaeolithic handaxes in Scotland Proc Soc Antiq Scot, 127(1997), 1-16.
Small, A. Dark Age Scotland. In G. W. Whittington and I D. Whyte (Eds) An Historical Geography of Scotland: 25 – 46. London: Academic Press.
Stewart, J. M. and S. E. Durno. 1969. Structural Variations in peat. New Phyto 68: 167- 82. Cited in Edwards, K. J. and I. Ralston 1984. Postglacial hunter-gatherers and vegetational history in Scotland. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 114: 15 – 34. Tipping, R. 1997. Vegetational History of Southern Scotland. Botanical Journal of Scotland. 49: 151-162.
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Tipping, R., A. Davies, R. McCulloch and E. Tisdall. 2008. Response to late Bronze Age climate change of farming communities in north east Scotland. Journal of Archaeological Science 35: 2379 – 2386.
Tipping, R. P. Ashmore, A. Davies, A. Haggart, A. Moir, A. Newton, R. Sands, T. Skinner and E. Tisdall. 2007. Peat, pine stumps, and people: interactions behind climate, vegetation change and human activity in wetland archaeology at Loch Farlary, northern Scotland. In J. Barber, C. Clark, M. Cressey, A. Crone, A. Hale, J. Henderson, R. Houseley, R. Sands and A Sheridan (Eds) Archaeology from the Wetlands: Recent Perspectives. Proceedings of the 11th WARP Conference, Edinburgh. 2005. WARP Occasional paper 18: 157 – 164. Society of Antiquaries of Scotland: Edinburgh.
Turnock, D. 1995. The Making of the Scottish Rural Landscape. Aldershot: Scholar Press.
Ward, T. 2010. The discovery and excavation of a late Upper Palaeolithic site at Howburn Farm. Biggar Archaeology Group. http://www.biggararchaeology.org.uk;
Watson, W. J. 1904. Place Names of Ross and Cromarty. Northern Counties: Inverness.
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APPENDIX 9
Appendix 9.1 Archaeological Gazetteer
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RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect 1 SM SM No. 2396 Balnacrae, Chambered Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: NE 253300 864600 High No No effect Negligi Slight HER No. chambered Cairn change ble MHG8930 cairn 150m SW Balnacrae: This Orkney-Cromarty type cairn has been almost entirely NMRS No. of removed, but an edge, which suggests a diameter of at least 75', can be NH56SW 1 traced. The chamber has been very large, and many of the stones remain, ranging in height from 2'4" to 6' 6". It was entered by a passage at its NE end. A S Henshall 1963.
The remains of a chambered cairn generally as described above but a larger diameter of 28.5m was traced. Visited by OS (R D) 19 July 1965
Comments: Assessed in greater detail in the body of the ES chapter 2 SM SM No. 4707 Eileanach Head Dyke, Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 253977 868712 High No No effect No No effect HER No. Lodge, Sheepfold, change change MHG43391, settlement & Township In the area centred NH 540 686 are remains of seven buildings varying MHG43393, field system in size from 7.5 x 3.0 x 0.5m to 38.0 x 4.0 x 0.7m, the largest having an MHG8963 550m WSW of annex at right angles to it 7.0 x 4.0m., and being sub-divided into four NMRS No. compartments. There are associated field walls, enclosures and NH56NW 1 sheepfold. Visited by OS (R D L) 10 May 1963.
A township, comprising six unroofed buildings, three enclosures, a head- dyke and an sheepfold is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire & Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxiv). Two roofed buildings, six unroofed buildings, five enclosures and a sheepfold are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1971).
Comments:
Depicted on Roy's map as a settlement of six structures labelled "Patty Garvie". 1st Edition OS labels the settlement as "Badghal-bhaidh". In addition to the structures depicted in the 1st Edition OS mapping, a circular enclosure cropmark approximately 40m in diameter is depicted on AP OS65/014 Frame No. 029 immediately to the N of the scheduled part of the site. Now depicted under commercial forestry. RCAHMS informed of the feature
Assessed in greater detail in the body of the ES chapter 3 Site HER No. Possible Fort, Placename Described in the HER as follows: UN 250000 865000 Negligible No No effect No No effect MHG8961 Dunruadh reference change change Dunruadh - The red mound. The ruins of an old stronghold, relating to RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect which there is no tradition. R Maclean 1890.
No further info; feature to which name applies was not located. Visited by OS (R D L) 11 May 1963.
Comments: No such feature was identified within the Site. 4 Site HER No. Cnoc an Each Cairnfield, Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PREH 252000 865000 Negligible No No effect No No effect MHG8960; Hut Circle change change MHG44879 Below Cnoc an Each at Swordale there are a number of small cairns. " NMRS No. ... I once opened one of the Swordale cairns, and found at the core a NH56NW 4 small triangular space formed by three flat stones, but it contained nothing except a few pieces of charcoal, and I understand that although many of these small cairns have been opened and examined nothing has yet been found to determine their real purpose". Associated with the cairns at Swordale are a number of what look like hut-circles. N Macrae 1923.
No further information. The slopes of Cnoc an Each were perambulated, but none of the features mentioned by Macrae were found. Visited by OS (R D L) 10 May 1963.
The SE slopes of Cnoc an Each, which are ideal for settlement, are now afforested and nothing was seen of these alleged cairns (? clearance heaps) and hut circles. See NH56SW 19. Visited by OS (A A) 12 November 1970NH56NW 4 52 65.
Notes from CFA Report: The NMRS and HER record that Macrae (1923) recorded that below Cnoc nan Each at Swordale there are a number of small cairns and a number of what look like hut-circles. The NMRS records that the SE slopes of Cnoc nan Each, which are ideal for settlement, are now afforested and nothing was seen of these alleged cairns and hut circles.
Comments: APs from RCAHMS do not show cropmarks in the vicinity of the reported coordinates f or RSK Site 4. No earthworks were identified in the recorded location during the site visit. Therefore, it is likely that Macrae's reported cairnfield and hut circle is located at the coordinates of RSK Site 14. 5 Site HER No. St. Colman's Holy Well Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: UN 252000 867000 Negligible No No effect No No effect MHG8962 Well, Kiltearn change change NMRS No. Parish There was a well dedicated to St. Colman in Kiltearn Parish. NH56NW 2 A Fraser 1878.
RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect No further information. Visited by OS (R D L) 11 May 1963. NH56NW 2 52 67. There was a well dedicated to St. Colman in Kiltearn Parish. A Fraser 1878.
No further information. Visited by OS (R D L) 11 May 1963.Not identified on OS 1st Edition mapping
Comments: Not identified on OS 1st Edition mapping, and not identified during the site visit. 6 Site HER No. Possible Shieling Hut Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 252120 867270 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20788 Shieling Hut, change change NMRS No. Allt an Caorach What may be an unroofed shieling-hut is depicted on the 1st edition of NH56NW 7 the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire & Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxiv), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1971). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 29 February 1996.NH56NW 7 5212 6727
Comments: Not identified on OS 1st Edition mapping 7 Site HER No. Strath Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 252210 863750 Low No No effect No No effect MHG40807; Sgitheach change change MHG8918 A three-roomed cottage, apparently of dry-stone construction, standing NMRS No. in cleared ground. (see also NH 56 SW 29). NH56SW 20 Visited September 1978. RCAHMS 1979, visited September 1978.
A farmstead comprising an unroofed long b uilding of three compartments and an enclosure or field are depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxxvi). The unroofed building is shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1969). Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 1 March 1996
NH56SW 20 5221 6375 8 Site HER No. Strath Hut Circle Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: BA 252230 863830 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG8903 Sgitheach change change NMRS No. This hut circle is located on a bluff above a burn, NW of NH56SW 20. NH56SW 34 Poorly preserved, it measures c. 9.5m in diameter between walls of indeterminate width. It has no obvious entrance. Visited June 1989. Information from S T Driscoll and S M Foster (Mss, 6, No. 7.1.) 9 Site HER No. Boundary Boundary Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: UN 252240 863730 Low No No effect No No effect MHG8909 Dyke, Strath Dyke change change NMRS No. Sgitheach This field boundary is a massive stone wall which has created a lynchet NH56SW 29 1.5m high. This wall is 2.0m wide and stands between 0.5 - 1.0m high. It apparently relates to the nearby pre-improvement settlement (NH 56 SW RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect 20), possibly it was the infield. Visited June 1989. Information from S T Driscoll and S M Foster (Mss, 4, No. 2.0.) 1989. 10 Site HER No. Strath Kerb Cairn Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: NE 252360 863970 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG8902 Sgitheach change change NMRS No. A substantial kerbed cairn is located on slightly sloping ground. This NH56SW 35 large mound of stones is approximately circular c. 15.5m in diameter. Along most of the perimeter large boulders retain the smaller stones of the body of the cairn. The cairn has been heavily robbed and now stands no more than 1.5m high. Projecting from the E side is a line of several boulders 2.0m long, which may simply be the result of modern disturbances. It is apparently unexcavated and has no immediate neighbours. Visited June 1989. Information from S T Driscoll and S M Foster (Mss, 6-7, No. 7.1.) 1989.
Comments: Discussion of setting of monuments within Strath Sgitheach within the body of the ES chapter. 11 Site HER No. Strath Enclosure Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: UN 252370 863590 Low No No effect No No effect MHG8910 Sgitheach change change NMRS No. A large rectangular enclosure has been added to a major N-S field NH56SW 28 boundary. It is of a similar build (2.0m wide and 0.75m high) as the field wall but appears to be a later addition. Visited June 1989. Information from S T Driscoll and S M Foster (Mss, 4, No. 2.0.) 12 Site HER No. Strath Cairnfield, Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PREH 252400 863200 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG8925 Sgitheach Hut Circle change change NMRS No. This group of at least three hut circles and scattered cairns stands in NH56SW 14 improved pasture. RCAHMS 1979, visited September 1978NH56SW 14 524 632.
Centred at NH 524632 on an almost level part of hillside is a settlement of 3 hut circles, plus a probable hut ('A' - 'D').
'A' is a small heather-covered hut measuring 8.5 m SE - NW x 7m within a slight wall of 1.8 m average spread. Entrance is in SE.
'B' is noticeably larger and stronger built than 'A' being 13m SE - NW x 11m within a wall of 2.5 m av spread, somewhat mutilated in NW. An outer facing stone lies at E side of entrance in SE.
'C' is 8.5 m E-W x 7.5 m within a wall of 2m average spread. The entrance is in the E.
RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect Immediately to ENE of 'C' is an enclosure 'D' probably a hut circle though in a much poorer and rougher condition than 'C'. It measures approximately 9.9 m SE - NW x approximately 7m within a wall of indeterminate width. Some probable facing stones lie to the S of the entrance, in the SE.
130m E of 'B' is a sub-rectangular feature ('X' on the field sheet) about 8m in diameter within a turf-covered bank. Its condition is too amorphous for definite classification.
A few scattered clearance heaps are the only evidence of contemporary cultivation in the area.
Surveyed at 1:10 000. Visited by OS (J B) 16 November 1976.
Comments: Discussion of setting of monuments within Strath Sgitheach within the body of the ES chapter. 13 Site HER No. Strath Enclosure Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: UN 252550 863570 Low No No effect No No effect MHG8911 Sgitheach change change NMRS No. A large oval enclosure which is overlain by the field banks which are NH56SW 27 shown on the OS map. This is very ruinous and in places appears to have been robbed. At NH 5250 6357, incorporated into the circuit of the enclosure is a U-shaped feature measuring c. 10.0 by 10.0m. It would appear to be an integral part of the enclosure. Its function is unknown. Visited June 1989. Information from S T Driscoll and S M Foster (Mss, 4, No. 2.0) 1989. 14 Site HER No. Cnoc an Each Cairnfield, Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PREH 252600 864900 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG44966, Hut Circle change change MHG8920 This group of about thirty small cairns is situated roughly 700m NW of NMRS No. Balnacrae chambered cairn (NH 56 SW 1) and is probably the group NH56SW 19 noted and excavated by Macrae (see NH 56 NW 4). What may be a mutilated hut-circle is visible on the S of the group. N Macrae 1923; RCAHMS 1979, visited September 1978.
Notes from the CFA report: The NMRS records that this group of about thirty small cairns is situated roughly 700m NW of Balnacrae chambered cairn (NH 56 SW 1) and is probably the group noted and excavated by Macrae (see above). What may be a mutilated hut-circle is visible on the S of the group. The highland Council HER considers the cairnfield (MHG8920) to be ‘very probably of national importance’ (NSR code V). AP ASS/615/89 Frame 197 shows a possible circular earthwork associated with the cairnfield and hut circle
Comments: Discussion of setting of monuments within Strath Sgitheach RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect within the body of the ES chapter. 15 Site HER No. Strath Sheepfold Sheepfold identified in the NMRS and HER. No description provided. PM 252640 863380 Negligible No No effect No No effect MHG50763 Sgitheach change change NMRS No. NH56SW 54 16 Site HER No. Strath Settlement Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: UN 252700 863600 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG40806, Sgitheach change change MHG8905 The rectangular enclosure at NH 5274 6366 which is part of a pre- NMRS No. improvement settlement, the rest of which lies outside the proposed NH56SW 32 plantation to the N. All the walls of the settlement are completely turf covered spreads of stone which vary between 1.0 and 2.0m wide. The settlement consists of a house 18.0 by 5.0m, with an attached yard to the N. The enclosure runs down the hill to the south and is c. 20.0 by 20.0m. Visited June 1989. Information from S T Driscoll and S M Foster (Mss, 6, No. 5.1.) 1989.NH56SW 32 527 636 17 Site HER No. Strath Hut Circle Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: BA 252880 864020 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG8904 Sgitheach change change NMRS No. This hut circle is located on a slight hillock adjacent to a steep gully NH56SW 33 made by a burn. It is c. 12.0m in diameter between walls of uncertain thickness. The E wall is poorly preserved, but a few facing stones survive. The ill-defined entrance is to the W. No associated features were observed. Visited June 1989. Information from S T Driscoll and S M Foster (Mss, 6, No. 6.1.)
Comments: Discussion of setting of monuments within Strath Sgitheach within the body of the ES chapter. 18 Site HER No. Allt Nan Dyke Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: UN 253000 867000 Negligible No No effect No No effect MHG18689 Caorach change change NMRS No. Centred on NH 53 67, extends to NH 55 68 NH56NW 5 A dyke (or fence?) running along the northern border of the SSSI. J Wordsworth, SSSIs, Scottish Natural Heritage, 1993
Comments: Not identified on OS 1st Edition mapping, and subsequently replaced by modern, deer-proof fencing. 19 Site HER No. Balnacrae Sheepfold Sheepfold identified in the NMRS and HER. No description provided. PM 253110 864310 Negligible No No effect No No effect MHG8922 change change NMRS No. NH56SW 17 20 Site HER No. Strath Settlement Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 253150 863580 Medium No No effect No No effect RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect MHG8907 Sgitheach change change NMRS No. This pre-improvement settlement is centred on a long house (at NH 5315 NH56SW 30 6358) which is shown on OS 6-inch map, 1969, but unmapped elements extend up the slope of the plateau which is to be afforested.
Visited June 1989.
Info from S T Driscoll and S M Foster (Mss, 5, No. 3.1.) 1989. 21 Site HER No. Strath Cup Marked Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PREH 253200 863810 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG8901 Sgitheach Rock change change NMRS No. The rock outcrop at this spot has 7 good cup-marks and presumably NH56SW 36 others are obscured by the large modern clearance heap which covers much of the outcrop. Visited June 1989. Information from S T Driscoll and S M Foster (Mss, 7, No. 8.1.) 1989 22 Site HER No. Abhainn Enclosure Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: UN 253400 863770 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20793 Sgitheach change change NMRS No. An enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross- NH56SW 44 shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxxvi). Two conjoined enclosures are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1969). Information from RCAMHS (SAH) 1 March 1996 23 Site HER No. Strath Corn drying Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 253500 864100 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG8906, Sgitheach kiln, change change MHG42608, settlement This pre-improvement settlement survives as low stone wall spreads (1.0 MHG42609, - 2.0m wide), which are completely grassed over. The settlement is MHG42610 focused on a long house (33.0m by 5.0m) oriented NE-SW with two NMRS No. internal partitions. At its SW end is a second smaller house or byre (14.0 NH56SW 31 by 5.0m), which was oriented NW-SE. Nearby, to the SW, is a probable grain drying kiln and to the NE a substantial stone enclosure which measures 24.0 by 14.0m and is oriented NW-SE. A number of less prominent field walls extend from the settlement away from the river. Visited June 1989. Information from S T Driscoll and S M Foster (Mss, 5, No. 4.1.) 1989. 24 Site HER No. Knockantoul Farmstead Described in the HER as follows: PM 253862 865391 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20083 change change GR corrected to above to unroofed building (845) that lies to the north of Knockantoul Farm (ie L shaped building referred to below) at 253890865350 - HAW 12/2004
A farmstead comprising one roofed L-shaped building, two unroofed buildings and an enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6- inch map (Ross-shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxxvi), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1971).
RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect Information from RCAMHS (SAH) 1 March 1996. A set of unroofed conjoined structures likely to be a sheepfold, is shown in modern OS mapping immediately to the southeast of the former location of the farmstead
Comments: A set of unroofed conjoined structures likely to be a sheepfold, is shown in modern OS mapping immediately to the southeast of the former location of the farmstead 25 Site HER No. Building, N of Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 253892 865448 Low No No effect No No effect MHG39110 Knockantoul change change NMRS No. Farm, Clare A farmstead comprising one roofed L-shaped building, two unroofed NH56NW 13 buildings and an enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6- inch map (Ross-shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxxvi), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1971). Information from RCAMHS (SAH) 1 March 1996
Small unroofed building marked on 1`st ed Os at GR above. Lies to N and separate from NH56NW0013 another unroofed building N of the main farm complex - HAW 12/2004 26 Site HER No. Glac Bhan Hut Circle Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: BA 254000 863700 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG41341, change change MHG8927 Centred at NH 540 637 and set on a N-facing slope approximately 25m NMRS No. above the River Sgitheach is a settlement of three hut circles ('A' - 'C'), NH56SW 12 all obscured by peat and heather. Hut 'A' is 10.5m E-W by 9.0 m within a slight wall of indeterminate width. The entrance is in the E. 'B' and 'C' are circular and measure 8.0 m and 8.5 m in diameter respectively within walls of 2.5 m average spread. The entrances, although not evident, were probably in the E sides.
With the exception of one or two possible clearance heaps there is no trace of contemporary agriculture in the area, although the ground is of a fairly stone-free nature. Surveyed at 1:10 000. Visited by OS (J B) 16 November 1976
A group of 3 hut circles. RCAHMS 1979, visited September 1978 27 Site HER No. Sheepfold, W Sheepfold Described in the HER as follows: PM 254102 868751 Low No No effect No No effect MHG33614 of change change Badgharohaidh A large circular sheepfold marked on 1st ed OS to E of deserted township - HAW 7/2004 28 Site HER No. Farm (290), Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 254261 865504 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20082 Clare change change NMRS No. A farmstead comprising one unroofed building with an attached NH56NW 12 enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross- RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxxvi), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1971). Information from RCAMHS (SAH) 1 March 1996 GR corrected to above - HAW 12/2004 29 Site HER No. Clare Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 254290 865320 Low No No effect No No effect MHG21758 change change NMRS No. A farmstead comprising one unroofed, two roofed buildings and an NH56NW 14 enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross- shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxxvi). One roofed building with an attached enclosure is shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1969). Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 1 August 1996.
A farmstead comprising a pair of rectangular roofed structures, a well and a smaller unroofed structure labelled "Balachreik" is depicted on the OS 1st Edition mapping to the north of Clare Burn. No structures are depicted on modern OS mapping 30 Site HER No. Allt Bog Na H- Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 254400 864100 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20080 Aimhne change change NMRS No. A farmstead comprising two unroofed buildings, one of which has three NH56SW 50 compartments and forms three sides of a courtyard, and three enclosures is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross- shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxxvi), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1969). Information from RCAMHS (SAH) 1 March 1996 31 Site HER No. Glac Bhan Township, Described in the HER as follows: PM 254400 863500 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG20794 head dyke change change What may be a small township comprising three unroofed buildings and a length of head-dyke is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxxvi) and on the current edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1969).
Information from RCAMHS (SAH) 1 March 1996 32 Site HER No. Aircraft Crash Aircraft Described in the HER as follows: MOD 254400 868900 Low No No effect No No effect MHG30855 Site, Glen crash site change change Glass Small remains in Glen Glass, near Evanton. J Aitken: 26/09/04 A Sea Hawk aircraft crashed at this location. Searched for but not located. No further details surrounding the date or circumstances of the crash. Information supplied by Alan Clark, 11/04/02. Macclesfield Aviation Group, member of British Aviation Archaeological Council. J Aitken : 15/04/02 RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect Website - www.the-ateam.supanet.com or e-mail at [email protected] Website details supplied by A Clark, 11/04/02. J Aitken : 17/04/02.Sea Hawk aircraft crash site 33 Site HER No. Glac Bhan Head dyke, Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: UN 254400 863500 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG40956, township change change MHG20794 What may be a small township comprising three unroofed buildings and NMRS No. a length of head-dyke is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map NH56SW 45 (Ross-shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxxvi) and on the current edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1969). Information from RCAMHS (SAH) 1 March 1996 34 Site HER No. Dubh Chlais Field system Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 254500 869200 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20789 change change NMRS No. A field-system, comprising one large field and two small enclosures is NH56NW 8 depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire & Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxiv). Short lengths of wall are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1971). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 29 February 1996. 35 Site HER No. Creag Nam Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 254630 869040 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20790 Fitheach change change NMRS No. What may be a farmstead, comprising one unroofed building and a NH56NW 9 length of wall which may be part of an enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire & Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxiv), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1971). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 29 February 1996. 36 Site HER No. Building, Building Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 254680 865780 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20787 Dunruadh change change NMRS No. (Alltan An Duin A single unroofed building is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch NH56NW 10 Ruaidh) map (Ross-shire & Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxiv), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1971). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 29 February 1996.Named as Dunruadh OS 25" - HAW 8/2004
37 Site HER No. Strath Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 254750 863620 Low No No effect No No effect MHG8917 Sgitheach change change NMRS No. (Bogandurie) The remains of this T-plan deserted farm measure, at greatest, 20m NE NH56SW 21 to SW by 15m transversely. It is of dry-stone construction and stands within an enclosure. RCAHMS 1979, visited September 1978.
One unroofed T-shaped building and an attached enclosure are depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire and Cromartyshire RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect 1881, sheet lxxvi) and on the current edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1969). Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 1 March 1996 38 Site HER No. Clare Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 254800 865200 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20783 (Knockgurman) change change NMRS No. A farmstead comprising one unroofed and three roofed buildings, two NH56NW 11 enclosures and a field wall is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxxvi). One unroofed building and an enclosure are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1971). Information from RCAMHS (SAH) 1 March 1996 39 Site HER No. Glac Bhan Enclosure Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: UN 254840 863440 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20795 change change NMRS No. An enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross- NH56SW 46 shire and Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxxvi) and on the current edition of the OS 1:10560 map (1969). Information from RCAMHS (SAH) 1 March 1996 40 Site HER No. Clach Liath Placename Described in the HER as follows: UN 254940 865971 Negligible No No effect No No effect MHG33708 reference change change Clach Liath marked and named on both 1st and 2nd ed OS. Lay just within eastern perimeter of Fannyfield Wood - HAW 8/2004 41 Site HER No. Swordale Cup marked Described in the HER as follows: PREH 255000 865000 Negligible No No effect No No effect MHG8978 rock change change In September, 1864, Mr. Joass, Dingwall, walked across from Dingwall to Swordale by way of Mountgerald (NH 5761) and on a little patch of uncultivated land he stumbled upon a specimen of a cup and ring- marked stone. He then made a search and discovered ten specimens. Since then he found four or five others, all 'with- in a radius of ten acres in extent', most of them lying close together. They bear a multiplicity of markings, varying from the smallest cup to the most complicated figures. ISSFC 1885.
No further info could be gained from enquiries made at Swordale. The stones described could be anywhere within an area of several square kilometres, much of which has since been afforested. Visited by OS (R D L) 4 May 1963 42 Site HER No. Torr Na H- Cairnfield, Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: NE 255080 868160 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG8977, Uamhaig Hut Circle change change MHG41606, At NH 5508 6816 is a circular stone-walled hut measuring 11.0m in MHG41631 diameter between the centres of an ill-defined turf-covered wall. The NMRS No. entrance is in the SE and part of the NE arc is mutilated. NH56NE 13 To the south centred at NH 551 681 is a small field system marked by several stone clearance heaps. RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect Surveyed at 1:10,560. Visited by OS (I S S) 31 August 1972
No change to previous field report. Surveyed at 1:10,000. Visited by OS (J B) 19 November 1976 NH56NE 13 5508 6816 to 551 681.
At NH 5508 6816 is a circular stone-walled hut measuring 11m in diameter between centres of an ill-defined turf-covered wall. The entrance is in SE and part of NE arc is mutilated.
To S centred at NH 551 681 is a small field system marked by several stone clearance heaps.
Surveyed at 1:10,560. Visited by OS (I S S) 31 August 1972
No change. Surveyed at 1:10,000. Visited by OS (JB) 19 11 1976.
Comments: Series of narrow, parallel linear earthworks shown on AP, OS65/014 Frame 29, possibly corresponding to a field system 43 Site HER No. Fannyfield House Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 255220 865750 Low No No effect No No effect MHG21964 change change NMRS No. Formerly included under NH55NE 13. Depicted on the OS 1st Edition NH56NE 48 map as a rectilinear building with adjacent smaller roofed structure. Adjacent structure is labelled as a sheepfold in 1:2500 scale OS mapping from 1966.
44 Site HER No. Cnoc an Oir Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 255240 868680 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20791 (An Innis) change change NMRS No. A farmstead, comprising two unroofed buildings and a length of wall NH56NE 28 which may be a head-dyke is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6- inch map (Ross-shire & Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxiv). One unroofed building is shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 29 February 1996. A single unroofed structure and a label of "old lime kiln" are depicted on the OS 2nd Edition
Comments: A single unroofed structure and a label of "old lime kiln" are depicted on the OS 2nd Edition. 45 Site HER No. Building E of Building, Described in the HER as follows: PM 255449 865852 Low No No effect No No effect MHG33707 Fannyfield well change change Farm Linear roofed building marked in middle of field to E of farm on 1st ed Os. Unroofed by 2nd ed. Now gone - HAW 8/2004. A well is depicted adjacent to the building RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect 46 Site HER No. Urn, Glen Findspot - Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: NA 255680 867790 Low No No effect No No effect MHG8976 Glass (Cnoc beaker change change NMRS No. A'Mhargadaidh According to Mr Munro-Fergusson (Novar House, Alness), an NH56NE 14 ) ornamented urn was found at NH 5568 6799 during the construction of a forestry road about 1965. It crumbled away when picked up. Fergusson didn't see it, but from a workman's description believes it was a beaker. Visited by OS (I S S) 29 August 1972
A participant in a Community Timeline course, run by ARCH, reinforced the report that in the 1960s a cist containing a beaker was found while bulldozing a forestry road, but the beaker disintegrated on exposure to the open air.
This area is identified as a cairnfield, but without cists or finds.
From the CFA report: The NMRS and HER record that according to Mr Munro-Fergusson (Novar House, Alness), an ornamented urn was found during the construction of a forestry road about 1965. It crumbled away when picked up. Fergusson didn't see it, but from a workman's description believes it was a beaker. 47 Site HER No. Boathouse, NE Boat house Described in the HER as follows: MOD 255686 866802 Low No No effect No No effect MHG33709 end of Loch Boat house marked at NE end of Loch Agoo on 2nd ed OS. Neither were change change Agoo there at time of 1st ed OS - HAW 8/2004 48 Site HER No. Cnoc A' Field Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: BA 255700 866900 Medium No No effect No No effect MHG39612, Mhargadaidh system, hut change change MHG39613, circle, On the E slope of Cnoc Mhargadaidh can be traced out what is evidently MHG39614, beacon a formed roadway to the summit, from which it can be seen. The summit MHG39615, is covered in green sward and at a depth of 18" charcoal was found, MHG39616; suggesting that though no remains of a fort could be found, it was a MHG8980 beacon hill communicating with Knockfarrel, Craig Phadrig, etc. NMRS No. As the name suggests, markets were held at this hill. This is confirmed NH56NE 1 by easily traced remains of stone and turf walls at the base of the hill on the S side. They enclose an elongated area of over 30 acres, subdivided into stances by internal walls, and conspicuous in one place are the sorting fanks of circular form, and other four-sided enclosures. Within the same general enclosure are 5 hut circles - undoubtedly ancient - two of them joined by a passage, and another with an internal wall from the circumference to near the centre. Around, and N of the hut circles are a great number of tumuli, apparently grave-mounds, which, except in two instances, have not been opened. ISSFC 1884.
RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect On an afforested S-facing slope are two circular stone-walled huts ('A' and 'B' - noted as enclosures by OS field surveyor {R D L} 11 May 1963) and traces of a contemporary field system, all of which have been mutilated by forestry ploughing. Hut 'A' measures c.12.5m in diameter, and 'B', c.13.5m in diameter between the centres of walls spread to an indeterminate width. The ill- defined entrance to each hut is in the SE. OS field Surveyor (R D L) in 1963 mentions a "possible third ploughed- down enclosure of similar proportions" 140.0m NW of 'A', but there is now no trace of it. The field system comprises traces of field walls, lynchets and stone clearance heaps (undoubtedly the "tumuli" noted by ISSFC 1893) but its extent can no longer be ascertained. The tradition of a market is not known and it was probably an erroneous interpretation of the field system. No man-made features are apparent on the summit of Cnoc Mhargadaidh, and the "formed roadway" to the summit cannot be seen. Visited by OS (N K B) 30 November 1970
On the recently afforested S flank of Cnoc a'Mhargadaidh there is a cairnfield covering about 3ha. Amongst the cairns there are two hut- circles and the remains of a probable third. Nothing can now be seen of a 'formed roadway' and other remains recorded further uphill in 1884. RCAHMS 1979.
Notes from CFA report: The NMRS and HER record that the Inverness Scientific Society Field Club (1893) recorded that on the E slope of Cnoc a’ Mhargadaidh can be traced out what is evidently a formed roadway to the summit. The summit is covered in green sward and at a depth of 18" charcoal was found, suggesting that though no remains of a fort could be found, it was a beacon hill communicating with Knockfarrel, Craig Phadrig, etc. As the name suggests, markets were held at this hill. This is confirmed by easily traced remains of stone and turf walls at the base of the hill on the S side. They enclose an elongated area of over 30 acres, subdivided into stances by internal walls, and conspicuous in one place are the sorting fanks of circular form, and other four-sided enclosures. Within the same general enclosure are 5 hut circles - undoubtedly ancient - two of them joined by a passage, and another with an internal wall from the circumference to near the centre. Around and N of the hut circles are a great number of tumuli, apparently grave-mounds, which, except in two instances, have not been opened. The NMRS records only three possible hut circles and traces of a contemporary field system, all of which have been mutilated by forestry ploughing. Hut 'A' measures c.12.5m in diameter, and 'B', c.13.5m in diameter between the RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect centres of walls spread to an indeterminate width. The ill-defined entrance to each hut is in the SE. There is a possible third ploughed- down enclosure of similar proportions 140.0m NW of 'A’. The field system comprises traces of field walls, lynchets and stone clearance heaps but its extent can no longer be ascertained. The tradition of a market is not known and it was probably an erroneous interpretation of the field system. No man-made features are apparent on the summit of Cnoc Mhargadaidh, and the "formed roadway" to the summit cannot be seen. The Highland Council HER records the beacon (MHG8980) as dating to the Bronze Age and considers it to be ‘almost certainly of national importance’ (NSR code C).
Comments: cairnfield visited during site visit. Heavily affected by forestry operations in the majority of the site, but good preservation in areas devoid of trees and earthworks still apparent between trees. 49 Site HER No. Eilean Dubh Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 256040 868110 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20752 change change NMRS No. A farmstead comprising two unroofed buildings is depicted on the 1st NH56NE 34 edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire & Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxiv), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 29 February 1996. 50 Site HER No. West End Enclosure Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: UN 256050 868720 Low Moderate Slight No No effect MHG20086 (Bruachdian) change NMRS No. An enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross- NH56NE 30 shire & Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxiv) and on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 29 February 1996.
Comments: Visible as a stone-built earthwork enclosure within forestry during the site visit. 51 Site HER No. Rhidorach Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 256151 867681 Low No No effect No No effect MHG33706 Farm change change Rhidorach farm named on 1st ed OS. Series of 3 roofed buildings, small enclosures to W and enclosed by field system. Now under forestry - HAW 8/2004Notes from CFA report: The HER records that Rhidorach farm is named on the Ordnance Survey 1st Edition map (1881) and comprises a series of three roofed buildings with small enclosures to the west and enclosed by field system. The second edition OS shows the placename and field system only. The site is now under forestry.
Notes from CFA report: The HER records that Rhidorach farm is named on the Ordnance Survey 1st Edition map (1881) and comprises a series of three roofed buildings with small enclosures to the west and enclosed RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect by field system. The second edition OS shows the placename and field system only. The site is now under forestry.
Comments: Possibly depicted on Roy’s Map as six structures to the west of the River Glass. 52 Site HER No. Knockmartin Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 256700 867060 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20079 change change NMRS No. A farmstead, comprising two unroofed buildings, both of two NH56NE 37 compartments is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross- shire & Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxiv). One roofed building and an enclosure are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 29 February 1996.
Notes from the CFA report: The NMRS and HER records that a farmstead, comprising two unroofed buildings, both of two compartments is depicted on the Ordnance Survey 1st Edition map (1881). A roofed building, unroofed building, a well and a gravel pit are depicted on the 2nd edition OS map, and a second gravel pit (to the south of the building) is depicted on the 1950 OS map. One roofed building and an enclosure are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). Modern aerial photographic coverage (google-earth) indicates that the remains of this site survive in a clearing in the current commercial forestry.
Comments: Possibly depicted as a set of three structures to the west of the River Glass. 53 Site HER No. Farmstead, Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 256720 867270 Low No No effect No No effect MHG20754 Lynechork change change NMRS No. A farmstead, comprising one L-shaped unroofed long building of three NH56NE 36 compartments with an attached enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire & Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxiv). Three roofed buildings and two enclosures are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 29 February 1996.Photographic record received 21/01/03. See CD library. J Aitken : 21/01/03 54 Site HER No. Boundary stones, W of Comments: 1st ed OS 1:2500 shows 2 stones individually marked & PM 256877 865488 Low No No effect No change (Map) MHG31789 Swordale named on the field line a little to the S of a "spout", Northerly at GR change above other at 256910865438. The field line has now been shifted to W, probable that stones will have been removed - HAW 3/2003 55 Site Allt nan Ford, Comments: A ford and footbridge are depicted at this location on the PM 254800 867780 Negligible Moderate No effect No No effect (Map) Caorach footbridge Ordnance Survey 1st Edition map. A well is depicted on the north side of change and well the Allt nan Caorach on the same map. The 2nd Edition OS shows the RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect well and ford in the same locations. Only the ford is depicted on modern OS mapping, and the area has been extensively disturbed by construction work associated with a hydro scheme along the Allt nan Caorach. 56 Site Milton Lodge Structure Comments: A single roofed structure depicted on 1st Edition OS PM 256110 865750 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) mapping. Linked by a path to MHG33707. Still extant on current mapping change change 57 Site Wester Farmstead/ Comments: Single roofed structure named "Wester Swordale" on the OS PM 256120 865590 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) Swordale Wind pump 1st Edition mapping. Labelled as "wind pump, disused" on 1966 OS change change mapping. Still extant on current mapping. 58 Site Balnacrae Farmstead Comments: A farmstead comprising a pair of rectangular roofed PM 253500 864700 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) and possible structures with adjoining smaller buildings is depicted on the OS 1st change change mill Edition mapping within a square enclosure. A mill dam, sluice and aqueduct are also depicted on the watercourse immediately to the east of the structures. Current mapping shows the area under commercial forestry 59 Site Gortan Farmstead Comments: A farmstead comprising three rectilinear roofed structures PM 253700 865100 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) and a well labelled "Gortan" is depicted on the 1st Edition OS mapping. change change Labelled as "old gravel pit" on 1956 OS mapping. Current mapping shows a single unroofed structure within commercial forestry plantation 60 Site Loanick Farmstead Comments: A farmstead comprising a single rectilinear roofed structure PM 253800 865100 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) labelled "Loanick" is depicted on the 1st Edition OS mapping. Current change change mapping shows no structures within commercial forestry plantation 61 Site Balmeanach Farmstead Comments: A farmstead comprising three rectilinear roofed structures PM 254100 864800 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) and a pair of wells labelled "Balmeanach" is depicted on the OS 1st change change Edition mapping. Current mapping shows no structures within commercial forestry plantation 62 Site Aldgarroch Farmstead Comments: A farmstead is depicted on Roy's map to the north of Allt nan PM 254800 867900 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) Caorach consisting of four structures, labelled "Aldgarroch". No change change settlement is depicted on the 1st Edition OS. The exact location of the settlement cannot be ascertained from the available documentary sources, but it is likely to lie to the NE of Cnoc a' Mhargadaid.
No evidence on APs of a site in this area 63 Site Redburn, Croft Croft Comments: Depicted on APs of 1950; extant in modern mapping. PM 257160 867050 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) Possibly depicted on Roy’s Map as a set of four structures to the east of change change the River Glass. 64 Site NMRS No. Cairn w Cairn Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PREH 257510 866800 Medium No No effect No No effect NH56NE 15 Cupmarkings, change change Redburn On an isolated knoll overlooking River Glass is a turf-covered mound, probably a cairn, which measures 15m NW-SE by 13.5m and 1m high. The summit area is flattened with NE side mutilated by digging of a pit.
Comments: Not depicted on OS mapping RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect 65 Site HER No. Allt Riabhach Farmstead Described in the NMRS and HER as follows: PM 257940 866810 Low No No effect No No effect MHG22354NM A farmstead, comprising three unroofed buildings and an enclosure is change change RS No. depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire & NH56NE49 Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxiv), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 29 February 1996.
Comments: Not visible on APs from 1950s onwards; not depicted on OS 2nd Edition mapping. Depicted on 1st Edition mapping as a single structure and pair of enclosures 66 Site Eileanach Field system Comments: Field system, presumably associated with RSK Site 2, PM 254410 868340 Medium No No effect No No effect (AP) Lodge field consisting of two fields divided by a track depicted on modern mapping, change change system and bounded to NW and SE by streams. Shown as regular series of parallel lines running ENE-WSW. Very regular in appearance - alternative interpretation would be drains associated recent coniferous planting. Area is now a coniferous plantation. Seen on APASS/615/89 Frame 197 67 Site Ballavullich Croft Comments: Single roofed structure with adjoining rectangular enclosure PM 258200 866900 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) depicted on the 1st Edition OS mapping and labelled "Ballavullich". Not change change depicted on OS 2nd Edition 68 Site Bailenarcearda Croft Comments: Single rectangular roofed structure with well and adjoining PM 258400 866800 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) ich small rectangular plots labelled "Bailenaceardaich" depicted on 1st change change Edition OS. Not depicted on 2nd Edition OS. 69 Site Allt Nan Stone Comments: "Stone" labelled on 2nd Ed OS at this location adjacent to a PM 255150 867600 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) Caorach track. The track but not the stone is depicted on the 1st Ed OS. Still change change depicted on 1956 OS mapping. Area is now in forestry. 70 Site Allt Nan Stone Comments: "Stone" labelled on 2nd Ed OS at this location adjacent to a PM 255280 867550 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) Caorach track. The track but not the stone is depicted on the 1st Ed OS. Still change change depicted on 1956 OS mapping. Area is now in forestry. 71 Site Cnoc A' Stone Comments: "Stone" labelled on 2nd Ed OS at this location adjacent to a PM 255600 867100 Low No No effect No No effect (Map) Mhargadaidh track. The track but not the stone is depicted on the 1st Ed OS. Stone change change still depicted on 1966 OS mapping within forestry 72 SM SM No. 10495 Strath Monument Described in the HER as follows: PREH 251400 862600 High No No effect No No effect HER No. Sgitheach, change change MHG44830, settlement NW Centred at NH 514 626 on a generally SE-facing slope is a settlement of 'MHG44831, of Cnoc 7 oval stone-walled huts (A - G). 'MHG44832, a'Mhuilinn Hut 'A', on a knoll, survives as a platform, c. 11.5m NW-SE by c. 10m 'MHG8928 bounded by traces of a wall. Several outer facing stones are visible in W arc. The position of the entrance is not evident. 'B' is c. 13m NNW-SSE by c11m between the centres of a wall of indeterminate thickness, with one or two outer and inner facing stones visible in SW arc. The entrance cannot be seen. A field wall joins hut in the SE arc. RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect 'C' is c11.5m NNW-SSE by c9.5m between centres of a wall of indefinite thickness, with outer face visible intermittently around S arc. The mutilated entrance is in SSE. 'D' measures c13m NNW-SSE by c11m between the centres of a wall of uncertain thickness, which has been extensively robbed revealing the inner face of contiguous stones around E arc. Occasional outer facing stones occur around W arc. The entrance in SSE is mutilated. 'E' is c13m NW-SE by c11m between centres of a wall of indeterminate thickness. The ill-defined entrance is in SE. 'F' is c9.5m NW-SE by c7.5m between centres of a wall of indeterminate thickness. The ill-defined entrance is in SE. 'G' measures c13m NW-SE by c10m between centres of a denuded wall. The entrance is in SE.
About 100m S of hut 'B' are traces of a platform c.12m diameter (marked 'X' on 6" sheet). Around W arc is a discontinuous line of stones, possibly outer wall face of a hut. There are several stone clearance heaps and field walls apparent, particularly in vicinity of huts B, C and D, but no measurable cultivation plots can be seen because of a heavy growth of peat. Visited by OS (N K B) 18 December 1970.
Within the settlement and centred at NH 5150 6255 are six cup marked rocks (marked 1 - 6 on 6" plan) 1: Has 1 good cup mark and 2 possible cup marks. 2: Has 2 good cup marks and 2 possible cup marks. 3: At least 6 cup marks, but there is the slight possibility that they could be due to weathering. 4: Has 14 good cup marks. 5: Has 8 good cup marks. 6: Has 4 good, and 1 probable, cup marks. Surveyed at 1:10560. Visited by OS (I S S) 13 September 1973.
Hut circles A-G are generally as described. Their individual positions (surveyed at 1:2500) are as follows: Hut 'A': NH 5171 6256; 'B':NH 5140 6263; 'C':NH 5137 6269; 'D':NH 5132 6268; 'E':NH 5146 6281; 'F':NH 5151 6282; 'G':NH 5139 6290. Two additional hut circles were noted. 'H', at NH 5160 6230, occupies level terrace at foot of slope above flood plain. It is c9m in diameter between centres of walls of indeterminate thickness. Much of circuit of outer facing-stones survives. The entrance may have been in SE. Hut 'J', at NH 5156 6291, is represented only by a curving arc of a stony bank, which may represent the collapsed wall of a hut circle c.9m RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect diameter. This hut circle is surrounded by clearance heaps and short linear banks 3-5m long. These fill the area between the two burns on either side of hut circles, but do not form any obvious field-system.
The possible hut platform noted by OS S of hut B was not convincing. Cup-marked stones '1'-'4' were not located; stones '5' and '6' were as described, but their grid references should be amended to:
'5':NH 5158 6259; '6':NH 5165 6254. An additional five cup-marked stones were located. '7', at NH 5167 6246, has 8 good cup-marks and 2 possible ones. '8', at NH 5138 6266, has 3 good cup-marks and 2 possible ones. '9', at NH 5131 6248, is a large boulder with a flat upper surface, 1.6m by 1m, which had 30 good cup-marks and 5 possible ones. '10', at NH 5145 5256, has 10 cup-marks, 4 of which are exceptionally large, ie 0.12m in diameter and 0.07m deep. '11', at NH 5134 6266, has 8 good cup-marks and 2 possible.
The various field boundaries (shown on plan) all consist of collapsed turf- covered stone walls which spread between 1m and 2m, and follow wandering lines dictated by topography. Visited June 1989. Info from S T Driscoll & S M Foster (Mss, 1-3, Nos. 1.1-1.4.) 1989.
Comments: Assessed in greater detail in the body of the ES chapter 73 SM SM No. 2312 Heights of Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 251440 861520 High No No effect Negligi Slight HER No. Brae, change ble MHG8919 chambered Heights of Brae: An Orkney Cromarty type round cairn, with a polygonal cairn 380m chamber. NNW of Firth The cairn material has been removed, but a slight bank round the View remains probably represents its perimeter, giving a diameter of about 75'. Two chambers are suggested by the visible structural stones which range from 1' to 5' in height. The southern-most has three pairs of slabs suggesting a short passage. A S Henshall 1963.
"Surrounding the whole are the appearances of several concentric circles of considerable dimensions, but most of the stones have been carried away" New Statistical Account (NSA) 1845.
The chamber of this cairn is generally as described by Henshall but only RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect one polygonal chamber is evident. The perimeter of the cairn can be traced as a slight bank, through which several stones protrude, surrounding the central chamber at a diameter of c.21.0m. Re-surveyed at 1/2500. Visited by OS (N K B) 1 July 1965 The chambered cairn is as planned by Henshall (A S Henshall 1963). Possibly there are two phases of construction; to the N and NW of the central chamber is a group of four earthfast stones (shown by Henshall) which may be the remains of a structure independent of the main chamber. The perimeter of the cairn can be traced as a slight bank, through which several stones protrude, surrounding the central chamber at a diameter of approximately 21.0m. Revised at 1/2500. Visited by OS (J B) 29 November 1976.
Comments: Assessed in greater detail in the body of the ES chapter 74 SM SM No. 4841 Uplands, Monument Described in the HER as follows: PREH 255760 861050 High No No effect No No effect HER No. enclosure change change MHG44872, 350m NE of On summit of Cnoc na Laitch in a felled plantation, are scant remains of 'MHG8953 what may have been a cairn. All that survives is a vague circular bank measuring 26.5m overall with one earthfast boulder (upright and 0.7m high) embedded in stony SE arc. The interior is uneven and four or five small boulders protrude through the turf. It is possible that it is the remains of a tree ring. Surveyed at 1/2500. Visited by OS (A A) 12 September 1973.
The enclosure is generally as described above. Roughly central within the enclosure is a turf-covered stony mound about 3.1m in diameter and 0.4m high. The presence of the mound illustrates the possibility that the feature is an enclosed cremation cemetery. Surveyed at 1:2500. Visited by OS (J B) 29 November 1976.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 75 SM SM No. 4945 Drumore, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 257900 866000 High No No effect No No effect HER No. farmstead, field change change MHG14143, system, A farmstead, comprising a partially roofed building is depicted on the 1st 'MHG14145, chambered edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire & Cromartyshire 1881, sheet 'MHG40808, cairn & lxiv). An unroofed building and an enclosure are shown on the current 'MHG41556, cupmarks edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). 'MHG8965, 600m W of Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 28 February 1996." 'MHG8971 Comments: Outwith ZTV 76 SM SM No. 5007 Cladh Monument Described in the HER as follows: MED/P 258510 867310 High No No effect No No effect HER No. Churadain, M change change RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect MHG42380, chapel and Cladh Thuradain is an enclosure 28m square, situated in a slight hollow 'MHG42381, burial ground within woodland. It is formed of banks or inward facing scarps 0.8m max. 'MHG8970 height. Parallel to and inside SW side of enclosure is a second bank, c14m long and 0.3m maximum height, but this does not appear to form remains of a building, nor is there any trace of a building in area. There are a few stones and boulders within enclosure but none appear to be inscribed or for that matter resemble gravestones in any way. Revised at 1/2500. Visited by OS (R D L) 3 May 1963.
Although ONB authorises OS spelling 'Thuradain', all other authorities agree that dedication is to Curitan, 8th century bishop of Rosemarkie. Name Book 1875; W J Watson 1926.
This site as described above is known locally as 'Cladh Churadain'. Revised at 1:10,000. Visited by OS (J B) 22 November 1976
Comments: Outwith ZTV 77 SM SM No. 4839 Carn Liath, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 258930 866550 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chambered change change MHG8967 cairn Carn Liath (Name Book 1875), an Orkney-Cromarty type round cairn, occupies a prominent position on top of a ridge. The site has formerly been planted with trees and enclosed within a circular wall which skirted the edge of the cairn by a few feet. It has been much robbed and disturbed, but still stands up to 5' or 6' high. It measures 74' x 80', but it has possibly been enlarged by field-gathered stones on the S side. The entrance has been from the ENE. Nine feet from the cairn edge, there is a low stone which is probably the N stone of a pair of portal stones at the entrance to the passage. A large slab, 11'9" to the W, also set transversely (though slightly askew) to the axis of the monument, appears to be the N member of another pair of portal stones. To the W, near the centre of the cairn, are remains of the chamber, the interior hollowed out but not to ground level. The chamber seems to have been unusually large, about 11' x 15', and the split slabs used for its construction are notable for their size. A S Henshaw 1972
Comments: Visited during site visit. Consists of tumbled, tall (approx 2m high) cairn covered in bracken within a pasture field, with electricity pylons passing less than 100m from the receptor to the west. Locally prominent, particularly from the south. Setting consists of the extent of the scheduled area and its immediate surroundings. No key sightlines, e.g. to contemporary monuments, was identified. Distant views of turbines to the west, with the nearest turbine located 5.7km away behind a backdrop of electricity pylons, will not detract from the receptor’s RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect prominence or detract from its setting. 78 LB - LB No. 1822 Drynie House Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 253923 860604 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. change change ry C(S) MHG16146 Early 19th century, simple 2 storey 3-bay house with centre door; harled, rendered ashlar margins.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 79 LB - LB No. 24520 Tulloch Castle, Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 254448 861131 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. Castail Gorach change change ry A MHG7465 Robert Adam, 1789-90. Picturesque folly; 2-storey circular "ruined" tower, void at rear, with flanking single storey quadrants linking outer square terminal blocks; all in rubble with tooled ashlar dressings. Comments: Outwith ZTV 80 LB - LB No. 24518 Tulloch Castle Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 254724 860311 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. and arched change change ry B MHG8897 tunnel entrance Castle and garden bridge. Garden bridge coordinates reported as 254743E 860270N. Tulloch Castle is supposed to have been built about the 13th century. It was repaired in 1513, and portions added to it in 1675 and 1762. It stood ruinous after a fire about 1850, and was restored in 1923. Name Book 1876; N Macrae 1923.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 81 LB - LB No. 24519 Mains of Tulloch Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 254929 860352 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. Tulloch Farm, change change ry B MHG44782, Steading, Dated 1774. Repairs and alterations, Cameron & Burnett, 1900. Large MHG44783, Houses and farm square, mainly harled with painted ashlar margins. MHG44784, Garden Wall Ornate dormer pediment (from Tulloch Castle ? (NH56SW 8) stands in MHG7542 garden of west dwelling, initialled AD (Davidson of Tulloch from 1760). SDD List; Inverness Courier 21 September 1900.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 82 LB - LB No. 7919 Mountgerald Monument Described in the LB entry as follows: PM 257060 861530 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. (of Clyne) change change ry B MHG16225 Circa 1800. 2-storey and attic house over raised basement, 3 wide bays. Coursed pinned rubble front elevation and flanks, harled rear, tooled ashlar margins.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 83 LB - LB No. 7918 Lemlair Monument Described in the LB entry as follows: PM 257652 862194 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. change change ry B MHG16198 House and walled garden. Coordinates for walled garden recorded at 257617E 862195N. RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect
Comments: Outwith ZTV 84 LB - LB No. 7913 Mains of Foulis Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 258744 864199 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. change change ry B MHG16617 Late 19th century, 2-storey, 4-bay house, probably with earlier 3-bay core. Single storey, 4-bay wing to rear.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 85 LB - LB No. 7911 Foulis Castle Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 258931 864107 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. change change ry A MHG38956, The Munros have experienced a succession of residences at Foulis 'MHG8948 since at least later 13th or early 14th centuries. It is usually assumed that present neo-Classical mansion was built de novo on a cleared site to replace a burnt-out stone castle. The house and its adjacent ranges bear datestones of 1754, 1777 and 1792, but there are some features that clearly antedate this 18th-century building; plan and details of northern wing to rear of kitchen are probably ascribable to later 17th century; 16th- or 17th-century architectural fragments are grouped in re-use in central basement area; and a barrel-vaulted chamber in one of courtyard buildings appears to be of similar age. NMRS record sheet RCR/21/1 G Stell 1986.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 86 LB - LB No. 7912 Gatepiers, Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 258981 864315 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. Foulis Castle change change ry C(S) MHG16060 Later 19th century square rusticated gate piers with square caps and stone eagle terminals. Low coped rubble quadrants with similarly detailed end piers with ball finials.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 87 LB - LB No. 368 Assynt House, Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 259240 867133 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. Alness change change ry B MHG16242 Late 18th/early 19th century 2-storey over raised basement house, 3 bays with centre door; various later embellishments. Further alterations in later 19th century when 3-storey, single bay wings added to west gable, projecting at SW and NW angles. All harled with ashlar dressings. Slightly advanced centre bay (to earlier house) approached by flight steps oversailing raised basement, with original cast-iron balustrade with palmette detailing; projecting stairwell to rear. Circa 1840 dummy bartizans flank centre projecting bay at wallhead; crenellated parapet with gable behind to front and rear from same period. Later 19th century (after 1875) wings (containing library and RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect dining room) with oriel window in 1st floor of south gable (similar oriel inserted in east gable) and bipartites in west gable; large dummy angle bartizan; crowstepped gables and crenellated parapets. Mainly 12-pane glazing; band courses; rusticated quoins; twin ridge stacks to older house, wallhead stacks to new wings; slate roofs. Interior: plaster cornices with palmette detailing in ground floor of early house; later 19th century library and dining room pine lined with original bookcases and chimney pieces.
Comments: Category B LB located on southwest facing slope above Black Rock Gorge to the west of Evanton. Nearest turbine is located 6km to the west. Of architectural interest and prominent within its immediate surroundings. Setting consists of Assynt House, its curtilage and surrounding enclosure, and has been altered by construction of overhead powerlines to the west of the property. No impact on the setting of the receptor from the Development is predicted. 88 SM SM No. 11056 Carn na Buaile, Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PREH/ 241140 856690 High No No effect No No effect HER No. fort 750m NNW EME change change MHG7789 of Comrie, On the summit of Carn na Buaile is a fort, oval on plan, measuring 27.0m NMRS No. Contin ENE-WSW by c. 16.5m within a ruinous stone wall, best prese rved in the NH45NW 5 E where it defends the easiest approach. Here inner and outer wall faces, maximum height two courses, are visible intermittently indicating a wall thickness of 3.3m. In the NW, W and S the wall has slipped down the slope. The entrance is in the SE and its S side is visible for c. 1.5m. The N side has collapsed but there are indications that the entrance passage was about 1.5m wide. Apart from a ruinous shepherd's cairn the interior is featureless. Surveyed at 1:2500. (Visited by OS (A A) 24 November 1967) Visited by OS (R L) 18 November 1970.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 89 SM SM No. 1667 Achilty, henge, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 244110 856920 High No No effect No No effect HER No. Contin change change MHG7792 Contin (Henge): A monument of which there is certain room for doubt. At NMRS No. first sight it seems to be a Class I henge, 75' diameter, but the bank NH45NW 1 appears to run without interruption across the entrance causeway in the ditch. Only excavation could determine if it was a henge. Even so, it is extremely likely that it belongs to some obscure phase of the transitional period early in the 2nd or even late in the 3rd millennium BC. R W Feachem 1963
Comments: Outwith ZTV 90 SM SM No. 2397 Preas Mairi, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 246090 855840 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chambered change change RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect MHG41555, cairn Contin Mains (Pris Maree): This Orkney-Cromarty, rectangular, 'MHG6308 chambered cairn has been almost entirely removed, only some stones of NMRS No. the chamber remaining. The entrance has been from the E and two NH45NE 5 portal stones survive, 3' and 3 1/2' high and 2' 4" apart, with a low sill between them. Only the N slab of the outer compartment remains; on its upper edge are three cup marks from 9" - 10" in diameter and 1 1/2" - 5" deep. Two transverse slabs sub- divide the chamber whose inner compartment is formed of two slabs; the northern is 2'3" high and the southern 3'4". N of the entrance is a prostrate slab over 7' long; 30' W of the chamber two small parallel slabs 1' apart are exposed - possibly these are slightly displaced and belong to a cist. A S Henshall 1963
Comments: Outwith ZTV 91 SM SM No. 3987 Loch Kinellan, Monument Described in the HER as follows: PREH 247100 857590 High No No effect No No effect HER No. crannog change change MHG43472, The artificial island in Loch Kinellan, near southern shore, is an irregular 'MHG6285 ellipse in shape, measuring approximately 70 yards x 47 yards, with a barrier of stones around its perimeter. There is a second barrier at west end, about 15 feet from perimetric barrier. Excavations were carried out from 1914 to 1916 which showed that, structurally, island appears to consist of 3 main series of layers, the base being of logs. A much damaged dug out canoe has been incorporated in wooden platforms, presumably as 'just another log'. Just below present surface of island were discovered stone-and-clay foundations of a rectangular building, 18 feet by 28 feet' with some indications of wings'. The various pits and trenches dug yielded animal and fish bones, objects of iron, wood, stone and leather, and a carved ivory gaming-piece. The pottery found included C14 & C15 material and a piece of C17 or C18 delft ware. Crannog was for a long time a hunting-seat of Earls of Ross, one of whom invited Robert the Bruce there. It was from this island that Kenneth MacKenzie went forth and defeated Macdonalds between 1485 and 1488. In C19 island was in use as a kitchen garden. H A Fraser 1917
This crannog, at NH 4710 5760, measures 76m E to W by 36m N to S and rises about 0.6 metres above water. It is now completely overgrown with bushes and only a small section of walling at west end of perimeter is now visible. When water in loch is low, island is accessible from mainland. (Info from Canon McKenzie, Kinellan Lodge, Strathpeffer) Visited by OS (R D) 20 January 1965 RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect
Comments: largely subsurface remains are now present. Setting consists of the scheduled area only. 92 SM SM No. 1676 Clach an Monument Described in the HER as follows: EME 248486 858510 High No No effect No No effect HER No. Tiompain, change change MHG43542, symbol stone This symbol stone, which is called locally 'Clachan Tiumpan' is a slab of 'MHG6294 contorted blue gneiss, roughly rectangular, but with right hand top corner broken away, 2 ft 8 ins high x 2 ft wide and 10 ins thick, sculptured with incised lines on one face with horseshoe symbol, and under it the bird symbol. J R Allen 1903
Comments: Outwith ZTV 93 SM SM No. 2466 Clachan Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 248830 856550 High No No effect No No effect HER No. Corrach, change change MHG7888 chambered The cairn has been completely cleared away except for traces around NMRS No. cairn the chamber. Orkney-Cromarty; polygonal. NH45NE 2 A S Henshall 1963
Comments: Outwith ZTV 94 SM SM No. 1672 Knock Farril, Monument Described in the HER as follows: IA 250450 858500 High No No effect No No effect HER No. fort, A vitrified fort within remains of a probably earlier fort, on summit of change change MHG45374, Knockfarrel, Knock Farril, a ridge running NE-SW. 'MHG7152 Fodderty The vitrified fort (of enigmatic plan according to Feachem (1963)) is sub- rectangular on plan measuring c116m NE-SW by c30m within a heavily vitrified wall averaging c4.5m in thickness. No wall faces are evident. It is alleged (visited by OS (RD) 19 1 1965) that entrance is probably in SW but this cannot be established, although it is likely as this is easiest approach. Resurveyed at 1:2500. Visited by OS (A A) 1 December 1970.
Sub-rectangular in plan measuring 116m NE-SW x 30m NW-SE within a heavily vitrified wall averaging 4.5m in width. At NE and SW ends of fort are sub-rectangular vitrified enclosures that are linked to fort by vitrified walls c25m long. These have been identified as 'look-out posts' overlooking NE and SW approaches to fort. Inside SW half of fort are remains of a mutilated cistern 5m diameter. Info from HS scheduling document dated 6 March 1997.
Comments: Vitrified fort of Knock Farrel oriented northeast to southwest on sloping ground overlooking Strath Peffer. Prominent within its surroundings, with a setting consisting of the scheduled area and extending to the north side of Strath Peffer. Setting has been extensively RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect modified by modern infrastructure (roads, railway) and channelling of the River Peffery within the river valley. Receptor lies partly within and partly outwith the ZTV. No impact on the setting of the monument is predicted from turbines, with nearest turbine located 7.0km to the north. 95 SM SM No. 3839 Brahan Wood, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 250450 855210 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chambered change change MHG7142 cairn 710m W This Orkney-Cromarty Cairn is situated in a forest clearing and occupies NMRS No. of NW Lodge the level top of a slight spur. All that now remains are part of a two- NH55NW 2 compartment chamber measuring 7.8m from N to S, by 2.6m transversely. The spur is covered by dense vegetation and no cairn material is visible. RCAHMS 1979, visited September 1978.
Outwith ZTV 96 SM SM No. 3403 Dugary, henge Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 252320 852660 High No No effect No No effect HER No. SE of change change MHG9008 Circular, hengiform earthwork (G J Wainwright 1969) consisting of a NMRS No. ditch with an outer bank. NH55SW 11 Visible on OS air photographs OS.67.46:58-9 (flown 23 April 1967); Visible on CUCAP air photographs AT 170 (J K St Joseph).
In a cultivated field, set slightly into the SE side of a small hillock at 60 ft OD, there is a circular earthwork much reduced by ploughing. It consists of a bank, now visible on the ground in the N and SE quadrants only, measuring about 42.0 m from crest to crest. Within this bank there is a ditch, about 10.0 m in width and 0.7 m in depth, enclosing a level circular platform 20.0 m in diameter. In the SE quadrant of the ditch there is a very slight swelling which may be the remains of a causeway, but there is no corresponding break in the bank. This earthwork, although larger, is very similar to the nearby proto-henges at Contin (NH45NW 1), Culbokie (NH55NE 4), and Conon Bridge (NH55NW 1). Surveyed at 1:2500. Visited by OS (A A) 24 November 1967.
Listed as a possible Class 1 henge. Air photographs (Visible on RCAHMS air photographs RC 1870-2 (flown 1978) show that the entrance lies on the SSW. RCAHMS 1979, visited 1979.
The earthwork has been ploughed-out, and there is nothing visible on the ground. It is, however, just visible on recent OS air photographs. Information from OS (R Wilby, Inverness) 4 May 1989.
Comments: No aboveground remains of the henge are visible. Setting RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect consists of the extent of the scheduled area only. 97 SM SM No. 3846 Whiteleys, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 253040 856500 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chambered change change MHG41550, cairn 300m Orkney-Cromarty; polygonal. The cairn is so denuded now, that it is 'MHG9029 SSW of impossible to estimate its original size and form. Seven stones of the chamber remain more or less in position; but it is difficult to interpret the remains. Other large slabs lie about site. Comments: Outwith ZTV 98 SM SM No. 2500 David's Fort, Monument Described in the HER as follows: PREH/ 253940 853280 High No No effect No No effect HER No. homestead EME change change MHG8986 moat, Balavil Homestead Moat, David's Fort, Conon: Of characteristic trapezoid plan it NMRS No. Wood is formed on a minor eminence, the interior standing a few feet above NH55SW 4 the surrounding ground. It measures 83ft from N-S by 85 to 105ft transversely within a wet ditch, approx. 15ft deep. Internally the only feature visible was a circular depression 25ft in diameter and 3ft in depth situated close to the margin halfway along the west side. The ditch is surrounded by the remains of a substantial bank standing up to 9ft in height and to 3ft above the ground outside. The west sector, only 2ft high, is cut by a depression about 5ft wide outside which a hollow track leads off west down the slope. The gap & depression may represent the place where a wooden bridge originally spanned the moat. A J Beaton 1885; Information from R W Feachem (Mss notes) 2 July 1958.
David's Fort is a homestead moat covered with scrub and trees. The moat still contains water, but it is partially filled with debris in the south. It was originally fed by a waterway running from an artificially constructed pond, 100.0m east of the site to a cut in the bank at the NE corner. Another cut through this outer bank in the NW was most probably the original entrance. The purpose of the break in the outer bank in the S corner of the moat could not be ascertained. The 'circular depression' in the interior, mentioned by Feachem, has apparently been made by an uprooted tree, now lying in the moat. Re-surveyed at 1/2500. Visited by OS (N K B), 22 January 1965.
Moated site: David’s Fort, Balavil Wood. This site lies 1km WSW of Balavil House. A trapezoidal area measuring 25m from N to S by between 26m and 32m transversely is enclosed by an impressive wet ditch and an external bank. On the W there are traces of what may have been a bridge spanning the ditch. June 1979 Beaton 1883; MS. notes in NMRS, RCAHMS Survey of Marginal Lands; RCAHMS 1979.
RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect Comments: Tree-covered defended homestead located within forestry. Well-preserved defensive ditch around the receptor suggests that the monument is locally prominent, but the sensitivity of the setting is affected by the woodland now surrounding it. Setting consists of the scheduled area of the monument and its immediate surroundings only. Visibility of turbines 12.2km to the north will not impact on the setting of the receptor. 99 SM SM No. 3635 Balvaird, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 253940 851930 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chambered change change MHG9009 cairn 250m E A stone circle of which 18 stones at present are to be seen in various NMRS No. of Balvaird positions. NH55SW 10 House Name Book 1876.
The cairn; Orkney-Cromarty, polygonal; has been so robbed that its limits cannot be defined. Its maximum height is 3ft. A S Henshall 1963; A A Woodham 1956
This mutilated cairn is 1.0m high, with 10 stones, maximum height 1.0m, forming a burial chamber with 2 compartments, visible in the top. A third compartment on the east edge is formed by much smaller stones. Re- surveyed at 1/2500. Visited by OS (N K B) 22 January 1965
Comments: Chambered cairns of Balvaird (RSK Site 99), Balvaird Wood (RSK Site 100), Muir of Conon (RSK Site 102) and Drumrunie (RSK Site 104) occupy land to the northeast of Muir of Ord within an are now consisting of scattered houses. Each chambered cairn is no more than 1.3km from the nearest cairn.. The setting of each chambered cairn consists of the scheduled area around each cairn, as well as key sightlines between each of the cairns to create a shared setting. However, these sightlines have been extensively altered and obscured by intervening modern housing, and the sensitivity of the setting of each monument greatly reduced. Turbines located 1.3km to the north would not impact on the setting of the chambered cairns. 100 SM SM No. 4741 Balvaird Wood, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 254120 852790 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chambered change change MHG8989 cairn 450m (NH 5412 5279) This Orkney-Cromarty, Polygonal, round chambered NMRS No. NNE of East cairn, truncated by a field wall, has had almost all the cairn material NH55SW 3 End removed - though an indefinite edge can be traced for about 30 ft. from the chamber on the S. and W. Nine stones remain of the chamber, whose entrance was in the E, and of these 5 represent what was formerly 3 pairs of transverse slabs spaced 3-5 feet apart and probably indicating a very short passage and ante chamber. RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect The main chamber, once oval and about 11 ft x 7 1/2 ft, is represented by only 4 slabs 1ft 9ins. to 3 ft. high - rather taller than the transverse slabs. A S Henshall 1963; A S Henshall and J C Wallace 1956.
Comments: see RSK Site 99 above. 101 SM SM No. 1666 Conon Bridge, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 254290 855070 High No No effect No No effect HER No. henge 230m change change MHG9059 NE of Riverford Woodham calls this a henge monument consisting of a flat circular area 48' diam, surrounded by ditch 9' wide, with entrance causeway in SE, 5' wide. A bank 12' wide surrounds ditch but has no entrance to correspond with causeway; bank is 80' - 85' in overall diam. Feachem states that, at first sight, this seems to be a Class I henge, 75' diam measured from crest of bank, but only excavation can determine whether bank was originally fully annular; if it were so then, at best, structure could be called a protohenge or hengiform earthwork. Whether henge or not, it is extremely likely to be of about 2nd or 3rd millenium BC date. A A Woodham 1955; R W Feachem 1963
Comments: Located within the settlement of Conon Bridge, and surrounded on all sides by development. 102 SM SM No. 4652 Muir of Conon, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 254610 852490 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chambered change change MHG8981 cairn 630m Muir of Conan; Orkney-Cromarty; round: This chambered cairn is very NMRS No. ENE of East ruined , and has a diameter of about 65ft, its edge now defined by NH55SW 9 End ploughing giving it an almost square appearance. There was probably a peristilith of which only an occasional stone can now be traced. In the centre some of the slabs of the chamber can be seen; the entrance is at the ENE. The remains suggest the presence of a passage leading to a chamber divided into two compartments by transverse slabs. The outer compartment which has only one small side stone visible on the S, has been 4ft long. The inner compartment measures 7ft long by 5ft 6ins wide. A S Henshall 1963; A A Woodham 1956.
This whin-covered cairn, 1.5m high, is as described above. 8 slabs, 1.2m max. height, are visible in the centre forming a burial chamber. The "stone circle" described in the ONB is probably the 4 largest stones of the burial chamber, as no external circle of stones remains. Re-surveyed at 1/2500. Visited by OS (N K B) 22 January 1965.
Comments: see RSK Site 99 above. RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect 103 SM SM No. 1677 Dingwall Monument Described in the HER as follows: EME 254930 858930 High No No effect No No effect HER No. Churchyard, change change MHG9031 symbol stone Class I symbol stone bearing, on the west face, a double-disc and Z-rod NMRS No. with crescents and V-rods at both the centre and the foot of the stone. NH55NW 7 Comments: Outwith ZTV 104 SM SM No. 4565 Drumrunie, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 255000 852590 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chambered change change MHG9013 cairn 170m Muir of Allangrange: A completely ruined round cairn spread over an NMRS No. WNW of area of diameter 70ft. In the central region a single upright slab NH55SE 7 Drumrunie protruding from the debris 2ft high, 4ft long, and 6ins thick, indicates that Cottage the cairn was probably originally chambered. A A Woodham 1956.
This cairn has been so mutilated that little is left except the one earthfast upright slab within an amorphous turf-covered stony area. The slab, described above, is almost certainly the back slab of an Orkney/ Cromarty type chamber. An elongated disturbed mound of stone extending about 40.0m to the SW of the slab gives the impression that it could be a long cairn, but this may be due to field clearance. Surveyed at 1/2500. Visited by OS (A A), 3 March 1969.
Comments: see RSK Site 99 above. 105 SM SM No. 9678 Dingwall Monument Described in the HER as follows: MED 255319 858999 High No No effect No No effect HER No. Castle, 20m change change MHG8429 SW of The The remains of this castle are situated in a private garden at NH 5532 NMRS No. Castle House 5901 and consist of a small circular tower c.3.4 m. in diameter, standing NH55NE 4 to a height of 2.6 m., with walls 0.5 m. thick.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 106 SM SM No. 3122 Cairn Irenan, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 256660 852290 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chambered change change MHG9027 cairn & stone Carn Urnan (Carn Irenan). Clava passage-grave: the cairn material has NMRS No. circle, Kilcoy been entirely removed. The kerb of large stones is about 42ft in NH55SE 10 diameter, and is complete except for five stones. The tallest, on the S side, is 4ft high, and the smallest on the N is only 1ft 4ins high. The entrance passage to the SSW is 2ft wide. Two lintels still remain across the passage, somewhat displaced. The chamber has been oval, 11 x 14ft; the foundation course of upright slabs (1ft 8ins - 6ins high) is almost complete. There has been a circle of monoliths, about 73ft in diameter, of which only four remain upright, the tallest being 5ft 10ins high. RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect A S Henshall 1963; V G Childe 1944; A J Beaton 1882.
The remains of this chambered cairn are generally as described above. Nine boulders encircle the cairn, but only four remain standing in situ (A, B, F, and J). Stone 'G' can be discounted as belong to the ring. Revised at 1/2500. Visited by OS (N K B) 21 January 1965.
Comments: Chambered cairn forms part of a group of six scheduled chambered cairns around Kilcoy and Carn Glas. All other cairns forming part of this group are located outwith the Study Area to the south, further downslope. The setting of RSK Site 106 consists of the shared setting of this group of cairns, and has been extensively modified by the construction of a farmhouse of Cairnurenan located immediately to the north of the monument. Visibility of turbines to the north, 13.6km away, will not impact the setting of the receptor. 107 SM SM No. 2968 Cille Bhrea, Monument Described in the HER as follows: MED 257640 861480 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chapel 730m S change change MHG42076, of Lemlair This chapel was partially excavated by Dr Woodham (Clava, Cunninghill 'MHG42077, Rd., Invervrie) 1966. Finds include a stone font and part of communion 'MHG8942 table, which are still in chapel, and several skeletons
Comments: Outwith ZTV 108 SM SM No. 3145 Mulchaich, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 257660 856790 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chambered change change MHG41549, cairn Alcaig Manse (A S Henshall 1963). This cairn, of uncertain type, is 'MHG9083 overgrown and considerably robbed. It is c55 ft. diam. with a now rather intermittent peristalith of heavy boulders of which one on SE segment has about 15 cups, one of these being 7" across and 2 ins deep. A massive stone, 8 ft. within W. edge of cairn, is 2 ft. above cairn material and, in an excavated hollow some 8 ft to SE of it, another stone is exposed to a depth of 2 feet. Towards E side of cairn, is a large, displaced slab. The presence of these stones suggests the existence of a chamber. 40 feet outside the peristalith may be a comparatively modern bank.
V G Childe 1944; A A Woodham 1956
Comments: chambered cairn located on northwest-facing ground overlooking the position where the River Conon enters the Cromarty Firth. The cairn’s prominence in the landscape and the sensitivity of its setting have been altered through stone-robbing and the construction of scattered farmsteads and roads around the monument, with the nearest property located approximately 90m to the west of the receptor. The RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect setting of the receptor consists of the scheduled area and its immediate surroundings. Turbines, located 9.9km to the northwest, do not impact on the setting of the monument. 109 SM SM No. 3146 Mulchaich, Monument Described in the HER as follows: PM 257975 856959 High No No effect No No effect HER No. settlement change change MHG9062 400m NE of GR corrected to scheduled area. No buildings marked on 1st ed OS - just an area of trough grazing that approximates to SAM - HAW 03/2005
NH 579 569. Mulchaich: This township lies 350 m NE of Mulchaich farmhouse; it comprises at least six cottages, of which at least two are of stone and clay-mortar construction. RCAHMS 1979, visited 1979.
Some six turf-covered footings survive in a reasonable condition on a small stony eminence in an arable field, and there are two or three others mutilated by quarrying. The wall footings are spread to 1.0 m and 0.3 m high. Surveyed at 1:2500. Visited by OS (J B) 27 Feburary 1981.
Comments: Settlement located on northwest-facing ground overlooking the position where the River Conon enters the Cromarty Firth. The settlement primarily consists of subsurface remains only within a ploughed field, and is of low prominence. The setting of the receptor consists of the scheduled area and its immediate surroundings. Turbines, located 9.9km to the northwest, do not impact on the setting of the monument. 110 SM SM No. 5696 Urquhart, Old Monument Described in the HER as follows: MED 258060 858490 High No No effect No No effect and LB No. 14911 Parish Church change change Listed HER No. Church (NR) (In Ruins) OS 6"map, Ross-shire, 2nd ed., (1907) Buildin MHG9078 g The remains of former parish church. The Breviary of Aberdeen says that a wooden church was built at Urquhart on spot where St Malrubha was martyred in 721 and that this church was superseded by parish church (Reeves 1862). There is no local information about this building. W Reeves 1862; Name Book 1872.
The ivy-covered gables of church stand intact but N and S walls are partially destroyed by insertion of later burial enclosures. It has measured 23m E-W x 7.6m overall, with walls 0.9m thick. The bell was recently removed from belfry on W gable and was sent for cleaning; it is shortly to be preserved in present parish church. The farmer at Urquhart believes it bears a date in 1630s. The graveyard is extended and still in use. The old graveyard wall is still traceable. The oldest legible grave RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect marker is dated 1753. Revised at 1:2500. Visited by OS (A A) 16 July 1975.
The monument consists of former parish church of Urquhart which is dedicated to St Maelruba. It is specified in the 'Breviary of Aberdeen' that a wooden chapel was built at Urquhart on spot where St Maelrubha was martyred in 721 and that this church was superseded by parish church of Urquhart or Ferintosh (NH55NE 145). The present church, situated in an extended burial ground overlooks neck of Cromarty Firth to N. The ivy- choked gables of building are still intact but intervening walls have been altered by insertion of a N burial aisle (c.1795) and later burial enclosures. The rectangular-plan, rubble-built structure measures 23.5m E-W by 7.7m N-S over walls 0.9m thick. W gable is surmounted by a late 17th-century belfry.
Info from Historic Scotland, scheduling document dated 6 1993.
Comments: Medieval church located on low-lying ground near the southeastern shore of the Cromarty Firth on the Black Isle. Extensive subsequent modification of the church through insertion of burial enclosures. Extent of the setting of the monument consists of the scheduled area and the surrounding burial ground. Turbines, located 8.7km to the northwest, do not impact on the setting of the monument. 111 SM SM No. 6644 Boath, three Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 258140 873830 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chambered change change MHG44767, cairns NE and Short horned cairn with a polygonal chamber. Only about 600 ft NE of 'MHG44768, NNE of Easter long cairn (NH 57 SE ) on top of a slight rise in same field. The centre is 'MHG6353, Ballone Farm virtually undisturbed, roughly circular, of bare stones and still stands to 'MHG6354, height of about 10 ft. The edges are relatively low and flat, turf-covered, 'MHG6361 and give appearance of a substantial platform from which the central portion covering the chamber rises. Although the edges have been somewhat robbed in places, it seems probable that present form of the cairn is original, and the outline is still fairly clear. The passage is not visible on surface and from the chamber it can be seen to be blocked with rubble. OS 6" records 'stone cist containing human bones found here AD 1863'. A S Henshall 1963; W L W Brown 1910; A A Woodham 1956.
The monuments to NNE of Easter Ballone farm consist of remains of three chambered cairns of neolithic date (NH57SE 1, 2 and 3). The third, northernmost, cairn lies to NE of Cairn Liatha and is a short horned cairn with a polygonal burial chamber. It measures approximately 30m E-W by 46m.
RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect Info from Hist Scotland, scheduling document dated 24 April 1997.
Photographs of this site were submitted to the HER by a website user, Graham Grant, in November 2009.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 112 SM SM No. 3655 Drummondreac Monument Described in the HER as follows: IA 258170 857560 High No No effect No No effect HER No. h, dun 400m E change change MHG9063 of Fort (NR) (Supposed) OS 6"map, Ross-shire, 2nd ed., (1907)
Fort, Drummondreoch: An irregular area c.54' diam is surrounded by a stone wall. Built on two raised terraces which may be partly artificial, at edge of a steep drop to Castle Burn. There are two gaps in the wall, but only the S entrance seems original. A A Woodham 1956
A robbed dun, sub-circular on plan, on NE brink of a gully and in a wood. It measures c20m WNW-ESE by c18m between the centres of a denuded stone wall spread to c3.5m. No wall faces are evident. The wall has been destroyed by quarrying in SW and the entrance is not evident. The dun is defended in E, N and W by two curving ditches with medial rampart, all in a poor state of preservation except where they terminate on the gully. Here the ditches are about 8m wide, and the rampart about 6m wide. The entrance through the outer defences may have been in E, where there appears to be an access path round the wall of the dun. The outworks have been mutilated by a track in NW, probably to facilitate robbing. Surveyed at 1:2500. (Visited by OS (N K B) 19 January 1965)
Comments: The dun is located on northwest facing slopes of the Black Isle overlooking the Cromarty Firth. It is a prominent feature when viewed from its immediate surroundings, but the Development (with the nearest turbine located 9.7km to the northwest) will not detract from that prominence. 113 SM SM No. 1668 Teanagarin Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 259450 857790 High No No effect No No effect HER No. Cottage,henge change change MHG9064 155m W of Culbokie, Henge Monument: A ditch 26' wide encloses a roughly circular area averaging 48' diameter The present width of an entrance to E is 33'. The diameter from crest to crest of banks varies from 90'-96'.
Feachem (1963) states that, at first sight, this is a Class I henge, but as bank runs across entrance causeway only excavation can determine whether bank was originally fully annular. If so, this can at best be called a proto-henge or hengiform earthwork. Whether henge or not, it is RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect extremely likely to be of c2nd or 3rd millenium BC date. A A Woodham 1955, R W Feachem 1963.
Comments: Low earthwork feature located on northwest facing slopes of the Black Isle overlooking the Cromarty Firth. Although it is a prominent feature when viewed from its immediate surroundings, the Development (with the nearest turbine located 10.3km to the northwest) will not detract from that prominence. 114 SM SM No. 4579 Carn Mor, dun Monument Described in the HER as follows: IA 260330 858580 High No No effect No No effect HER No. change change MHG7117 Carn Mor, an overgrown circular dun, situated on a knoll. The wall (some NMRS No. 8' thick, according to Feachem) is spread to c. 6.0m but no faces are NH65NW 1 evident and its thickness cannot be determined. The internal diameter appears to be about 18.0m. The ill-defined entrance is in the SW. The dun is surrounded by two ramparts with a medial ditch, with an entrance in the SW, coincident with that of the dun. The ONB (1873) recording that it was known locally as the Carn Mor, adds that human remains were found in the interior in 1859. Resurveyed at 1:2500 (OS {R B} 18 March 1966). Visited by OS (R L) 3 December 1970. Name Book 1873; R W Feachem 1963.
[Name cited as Carn Mor, Culbokie]. This dun occupies a low knoll in a forestry plantation: circular on plan, it measures about 18m in diameter within a wall now spread to a thickness of about 6m, with an entrance on the SW. It is surrounded by an outwork comprising two ramparts and a medial ditch. RCAHMS 1979, visited July 1979.
Comments: The dun is located on northwest facing slopes of the Black Isle overlooking the Cromarty Firth. It is a prominent feature when viewed from its immediate surroundings, but the Development (with the nearest turbine located 10.4km to the northwest) will not detract from that prominence. 115 SM SM No. 2966 Findon Monument Described in the HER as follows: IA 260940 860280 High No No effect No No effect HER No. Cottage, dun change change MHG8190 180m ENE of A robbed dun, circular on plan, situated on level ground in a fork formed NMRS No. by two stream gullies. The wall is heavily quarried but the outer face is NH66SW 8 visible in the NE, S and SW giving an overall diameter of 21.0m. The inner face can be seen in the SE indicating a wall thickness here of c.5.3m. Woodham (1956) states that the entrance in the W side is 4' wide, but there is now no trace of it. The dun is surrounded by the remains of a stone wall, best preserved in the N where it is turf-covered and spread to c. 3.5m average width. RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect Elsewhere it is evident as a faint rickle of stones. There is a break in the SW possibly an entrance but more likely an access for robbing the dun. The footings of a rectangular structure, c. 5.5m by c. 3.0m, abut onto the inside of the wall in the NW. Surveyed at 1/2500 (OS {R B}) Visited by OS (R B) 26 January 1966 and (R L) 3 December 1970. A A Woodham 1956.
Comments: The dun is located on northwest facing slopes of the Black Isle overlooking the Cromarty Firth. It is a prominent feature when viewed from its immediate surroundings, but the Development (with the nearest turbine located 9.7km to the northwest) will not detract from that prominence. 116 SM SM No. 4812 Carn na Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 261550 874790 High No No effect No No effect HER No. Feinne, change change MHG7993 chambered All that remains of this Orkney-Cromarty type chambered cairn is a NMRS No. cairn group of orthostats representing a rectangular chamber aligned across NH67SW 6 the gentle slope of the field in which it stands, with the entrance downhill to the ENE. The orthostats are large flat slabs of sandstone except one of schist. The S wall of the chamber consists of two slabs still in position, the E slab 2'10" high and 1'5" thick at the maximum, the W slab 3'6" high and 1' thick. The N wall consists of two more slabs, the eastern leaning acutely outwards and the western leaning inwards. If upright the E slab would be 3'6" high, and the W slab would be 4' high. These stones are 6" and 9" thick. At the W end of the chamber there lies a large prone slab which is likely to be the back-slab fallen outwards. Across the E end of the chamber lies a smaller slab, perhaps a displaced lintel. The chamber appears to have been 19' long and about 5' wide. Field stones have been gathered immediately around the chamber, and there are also some flat slabs perhaps displaced from the structure. The chamber was in the same condition when recorded in 1886 (Maclean 1886) except that the end-stone then seems to have been upright. The chamber was opened in 1876, when remains thought to be of two bodies were found about 2' below the surface. The bodies were said to be in graves 7' long by 2' wide, "the one at the foot of the other": possibly the excavator found a low transverse stone which had divided the chamber into two compartments. R Maclean 1886; A S Henshall 1972.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 117 SM SM No. 5002 Gun Port, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 261900 868080 High No No effect No No effect HER No. burial mound change change MHG8123 45m N of At NH 6190 6808 on the brink of a low escarpment, is a bowl-shaped tree-grown mound measuring 25.0m in diameter and 4.0m high. The RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect content of sand and gravel visible in the S is similar to a glacial deposit, but its shape, size and situation strongly suggest it is a barrow. Visited by OS (A A), 23 August 1972.
Comments: Assessed in greater detail in the body of the ES chapter 118 SM SM No. 5223 Moultavie, two Monument Described in the HER as follows: PREH 262350 871670 High No No effect No No effect HER No. cairns 850m change change MHG45456, NW of Cairn (NR) (Remains of) Stone Cist containing Human Remains found 'MHG45457, (NAT) OS 6" map, Ross-shire, 2nd ed., (1907) 'MHG8018, 'MHG8018, In a wood at Cnoc Duchar ie is a cist in which human remains were found 'MHG8019 (ONB 1874), 3' 6" long, 2' deep and from 2'3" to 3' wide, from near the centre of a cairn 54' in diameter. ONB 1874; ISSFC 1888.
The remains of cairn have been considerably mutilated by timber-felling operations. It consists of a low mound of stones now mostly grass- covered and measures c16m diameter with a max. height of c.1.2 m. Around the base of cairn is an almost complete kerb of large boulders (0.5m high) In the centre, and much grown over, is a rectangular cavity 2.4m long by 2m wide by 0.6m deep. It was not possible to discern whether this was a cist or an excavation, but nearby is a flattish slab stone which could have come from a cist. Revised at 1/2500. Visited by OS (W D J) 1 May 1963.
This cairn is now inaccessible in dense woodland. RCAHMS 1979.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 119 SM SM No. 5192 Moultavie, Monument Described in the HER as follows: PREH 263100 871700 High No No effect No No effect HER No. cairn 450m N change change MHG40977, of Two burial-cairns containing cists were found at 'Multivie' (Moultavie: 'MHG8013, farm at NH 631 712) before 1875. 'MHG8017 C Maclagan 1875; RCAHMS 1979.
No information was obtained from enquiries at Moultavie; possibly Maclagan is referring to the cairns described on NH67SW 2 and 13. Visited by OS (WDJ) 1 May 1963.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 120 SM SM No. 1686 Craig Castle, Monument Described in the HER as follows: MED 263198 863814 High No No effect Negligi Slight and LB No. 14938 tower change ble Listed HER No. For carved stone (part of gunloop) at NH 6319 6382, see NH66SW 43. Buildin MHG8196 The remains of Craig Castle, a late 16th-century tower, comprise the RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect g – NMRS No. roofed NE wing, which has vaulted floors and a cor belled parapet; a wing Catego NH66SW 2 which probably extended to the NW, and a stairway in the re-entrant ry A angle, have fallen to ruin. There is an enclosure to the N and what may be an oven to the E. Parts of the enclosure may be of earlier date, but the traditional association with the bishops of Ross may well relate to the use of the site as an occasional episcopal residence in the post- Reformation period. Orig Paroch Scot 1855; D MacGibbon and T Ross 1887-92; RCAHMS 1979; G Stell 1986.
Tower House. Severely eroded coastal undercutting at High Water Mark. Late 16th century. CFA/MORA Coastal Assessment Survey 1998.
Comments: Assessed in greater detail in the body of the ES chapter 121 SM SM No. 3130 Cnoc nan Monument Described in the HER as follows: BA 264800 859590 High No No effect No No effect HER No. Craiseag, change change MHG7115 cairn, Mount This is a round cairn, 32' in diameter and 4' high, heather-covered and NMRS No. Eagle with a few trees growing in it. A depression in the centre suggests that NH65NW 3 an attempt has been made to plunder it. When Woodham visited the site the area had been trenched preparatory to planting. A A Woodham 1956.
The cairn, as described, by Woodham, is situated in the centre of an afforested area. A few stones protrude through the heather in the centre of the cairn. Revised at 1/2500. Visited by OS (R B), 9 March 1966.
Comments: Part of a series of round, chambered and long cairns located on rising ground to the south and east of Easter Culbo on the Black Isle, and incorporating RSK Sites 121, 122, 123 and 125. The setting of RSK Site 121 consists of the shared setting of this group of cairns, and has been extensively modified by the growth of commercial coniferous forestry plantation around the monument. 122 SM SM No. 4566 Woodhead, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 265070 861000 High No No effect No No effect HER No. chambered change change MHG8099 cairn 350m E This cairn has probably been round, and although much ruined and NMRS No. of robbed, a fair quantity of cairn material remains in places. The chamber NH66SE 1 is rectangular and of Orkney-Cromarty type. The diameter of the cairn has probably been about 80'. A fairly definite edge can be traced on the south. The cairn was probably excavated by Sir Alexander McKenzie of RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect Avoch about 1816. A S Henshall 1963.
A much robbed chambered cairn, generally as described by Henshall, but now apparently oval, measuring approx. 36.0m NW - SW by 22.0m NW - SE and 1.8m maximum height is mutilated along its SE side by the incursion of a track. Re-surveyed at 1/2500. Visited by OS (N K B) 27 January 1966.
About 9ft in front of the portal stones forming the entry to the chamber there lies a large almost flat slab measuring 5ft 10ins by 3ft 8ins its long axis at right angles to that of the chamber. The stone looks like a lintel belonging to a passage. Below its NW end there can just be seen the top of an upright slab which appears to be set parallel to and exactly in front of, the NW portal stone. This stone might well be one of a pair of portal stones at the entrance to a passage. The passage, if it exists, is low and is covered by cairn material. A S Henshall 1972, visited 1967.
The chambered cairn is as described by the previous authorities; no further physical details were noted. Surveyed at 1;10 000. Visited by OS (J B) 11 January 1978.
Comments: Part of a series of round, chambered and long cairns located on rising ground to the south and east of Easter Culbo, and incorporating RSK Sites 121, 122, 123 and 125. The setting of RSK Site 122 consists of the shared setting of this group of cairns, and has been extensively modified by the growth of commercial coniferous forestry plantation immediately to the south, north and east of the monument. 123 SM SM No. 4568 Woodhead, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 265325 860778 High No No effect No No effect HER No. long cairn change change MHG8210 600m ESE of A Neolithic chambered long cairn, virtually intact. NMRS No. Woodhead NH66SE 2 Farm This long cairn appears to be virtually intact although a drainage ditch has been cut across its west end. It is oriented east to west and measures about 130' long and 40' wide, the edges being rather indistinct. It is highest in the centre where it stands about 8' high. A S Henshall 1963, visited 1959.
A long cairn, situated in dense afforestation, generally as described by Henshall. It measures 45.0m E to W by 14.0m transversely, and 1.4m in RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect height; it has been robbed on the north side. Re-surveyed at 1/2500 Visited by OS (N K B) 27 January 1966.
Comments: Part of a series of round, chambered and long cairns located on rising ground to the south and east of Easter Culbo on the Black Isle, and incorporating RSK Sites 121, 122, 123 and 125. The setting of RSK Site 123 consists of the shared setting of this group of cairns, and has been extensively modified by the growth of commercial coniferous forestry plantation around the monument. 124 SM SM No. 4773 Wester Brae, Monument Described in the HER as follows: BA 265379 861752 High No No effect No No effect HER No. hut circles & change change MHG41652, field system These cairns average 10ft diameter, stand to a max height of 2ft. 'MHG41660, A A Woodham 1956. 'MHG41668, 'MHG8205 At NH 6525 6177 and NH 6543 6167, in a pasture field on a gentle NW- facing slope, are 2 hut circles, former discovered by previous OS field investigator (Visited by OS (NKB) 1 12 1978). This hut measures 9m in diameter within a stone wall spread to 2m. Occasional outer facing stones are visible in E and S arcs. Recent clearance has been piled within level interior of hut in SE arc. The mutilated entrance is in NW. The other hut is more ill-defined; it measures 8m diameter within a low, vague turf-covered wall spread to 1.5m. Position of entrance is uncertain. The scant remains of a contemporary field system (shown as an area of cairns on 2nd ed., OS 6" map) lie to E. Its extent can no longer be ascertained as most of it has been destroyed by modern cultivation and afforestation. It is best preserved around SE hut, where denuded stone clearance heaps and occasional field walls and lynchets from cultivation plots, 2 of which were measured as 20m x 15m and 40m x 20m. The mound of stones (published as 'Cairn' on the OS 6" 1959) at NH 6545 6136 is oval, measuring about 8m N-S by about 5m and roughly 1m high; it is probably a clearance heap. Surveyed at 1/10,000. Visited by OS (J B) 12 January 1978.
Comments: Hut circles and field system partly destroyed by modern cultivation and afforestation. The setting of the monument consists of the scheduled area and the monument’s immediate surroundings. A prominent feature when viewed from its immediate surroundings, but the Development (with the nearest turbine located 12.9km to the northwest) will not detract from that prominence. 125 SM SM No. 4559 Wester Brae, Monument Described in the HER as follows: NE 265640 861390 High No No effect No No effect HER No. long cairn change change MHG45076, 650m SSE of Immediate area of ca irn has been cleared of trees, but is heavily covered 'MHG8206 in heather & other growth, making extent and condition hard to RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect determine. See photos - HAW 10/2002 (NH 6564 6139) Cairn (NR) OS 6" map, (1959)
This long cairn, oriented ENE-WSW is 85' long and about 38' wide at W end and 48' at E end. It is composed of rounded stones overgrown with moss and turf. A depression near centre suggests that there has been some robbing, but ends appear to be intact, W being 6' high and E 5' high. The cairn stands within the area of a field of small cairns (NH66SE 7). A S Henshall 1963.
Wedge-shaped long cairn, in good condition, as described by Henshall, situated in dense afforestation. Resurveyed at 1/2500. Visited by OS (N K B) 27 January 1966.
No change. Surveyed at 1:10 000. Visited by OS (JB) 11 1 1978.
Comments: Part of a series of round, chambered and long cairns located on rising ground to the south and east of Easter Culbo on the Black Isle, and incorporating RSK Sites 121, 122, 123 and 125. The setting of RSK Site 125 consists of the shared setting of this group of cairns, and has been extensively modified by the growth of commercial coniferous forestry plantation around the monument. 126 SM SM No. 2720 Little Garve, Described in the HER as follows: PM 239600 866280 High No No effect No No effect NMRS No. bridge over change change NH36SE 5 Black Water This bridge carries the line of the military road MR 17 (NH36SE 18) over the Black Water, to the E of Little Garve. Information from RCAHMS (RJCM), 4 May 2005.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 127 LB - LB No. 1789 Contin Bridge Monument Described in the HER as follows: PM 245403 856672 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. over River change change ry A MHG6295 Black Water Bridge over the Black Water, by Thomas Telford, 1812-13. Rubble-built, NMRS No. with three segmental arches, and triangular cutwaters topped by NH45NE 59 pilasters at the parapet.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 128 LB - LB No. 1769 Coul House Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 246249 856404 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. Hotel, Formerly change change ry A MHG14110 Coul House Coul House and two porters' lodges for Sir George Steuart Mackenzie of Coul by R & R Dickson CS46 January 1830/52. The house is planned around an octagonal drawing room with room above, octagonal entrance hall and demi octagonal porch.
RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect Comments: Outwith ZTV 129 LB - LB No. 14030 Fairburn Tower Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 246952 852356 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. change change ry A MHG7784 Late 16th/early 17th century, square tower; 4 storeys and attic; harl pointed rubble; roofless. Later 17th century stair tower added to front elevation masking original 1st floor entrance, with simple off-centre doorway in plain moulded surround. Gun-loops in ground floor; remains of corbelled bartizans at NE and SW angles; crowstepped gables; corniced apex stack to stair tower. Single storey, small kitchen extension (also roofless) with remains of large fireplace, added to west elevation. Blocked oven (or aumbry) within fireplace
Comments: Assessed in greater detail in the body of the ES chapter 130 LB - LB No. 7906 Wyvis Lodge, Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 248439 873636 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. Stables and change change ry A MHG14116, Game Larders Lodge: 'MHG44012, Dated 1886. Asymmetrical medium sized gabled 2-storey shooting 'MHG44013 lodge.
Notes: Commanding site on western end of Loch Glass. Built by and for Walter Shoolbred (of firm of Shoolbred, cabinet makers). All internal panelling made by family firm. Some Shoolbred furniture in lodge. All materials transported by steamer from eastern end of Loch Glass.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 131 LB - LB No. 7826 Castle Leod Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 248603 859325 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. change change ry A MHG45098, An early C17th tower-house impressively situated on a gr een mound and 'MHG6283 built to a modified L-plan whose re-entrant angle has been infilled by slightly later addition, which contains a secondary doorway, defended by shot-holes and surmounted by a heraldic panel bearing MacKenzie arms.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 132 LB - LB No. 24516 Tulloch Street, Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 254934 858961 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. St. Clements change change ry A MHG31381, Church (C of S George Burn, Haddington, 1799-1803. Rectangular with octagonal tower 'MHG42038, Parish and spire; pinned coursed rubble, tooled ashlar dressings. 'MHG42040, Church), 'MHG7464, Gatepiers and Notes: 'MHG9033 Burial Ground Building in ecclesiastical use as such. Built on site of RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect earlier church. Symbol stone in burial ground is Scheduled Monument. Milne Bell 1754.
Comments: Outwith ZTV 133 LB - LB No. 14906 Kinkell Castle Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 255388 854333 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. and change change ry A MHG9028 Surrounding Dated 1594, Z-plan tower house, harled with dressed margins, 3 storeys Wall and and attic, with circular stair tower at south-west angle carried up higher Studio Cottage as is the smaller circular stair turret corbelled out at first floor level at the north-east angle. At west front regular 3-bay fenestration at first and second floors (although lacking centre window at first floor); 3 modern swept dormers. At east front, irregular fenestration; 2 shotholes at centre of second floor. Door with moulded architraves in re-entrant angle with south-west tower; above door moulded niche. Base course; ground floor amply provided with gunloops. Internally, 2 vaulted chambers and vaulted passage at ground floor; hall with large segmental arched fireplace bearing defaced coat of arms and date of 1594 at first floor. Crowstepped gables; slated roof. Modern small-paned glazing. Wall surrounding castle, stone. Studio cottage, small, single-storey, stone-built, vents at rear and modern fenestration at front; slated roof.
Comments: A prominent tower house that has been extensively refurbished and is now a private residence. Although the purpose for building a tower house is very variable, they have a defensive function while acting as a high-status dwelling of architectural importance and local prominence. Part of this defensive purpose is to provide a high position from which to identify and respond to approaching threats. The location and nature of Kinkell Castle performs this function well. Therefore, the setting of the LB consists of its curtilage and local surroundings such as its estate policies and approaches to the tower house. It is a prominent feature when viewed from its immediate surroundings, but the Development (with the nearest turbine located 11.3km to the northwest) will not detract from that prominence. 134 LB – LB No. 7914 Foulis Point Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 259964 863589 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. Granary change change ry A MHG8949 Early mid 18 th century with later centre forestair. 3-storey, 5-bay
Comments: Outwith ZTV 135 LB - LB No. 15031 Ardross Castle, Monument Described in the LB entry and HER as follows: PM 261139 874114 High No No effect No No effect Catego HER No. Terraces and change change ry A MHG8004 Gate Piers Alexander Ross, 1880-81, incorporating earlier house. Large Scottish Baronial mansion; mainly 2 storeys and attic, with 5-storey tower at east with entrance at base; gabled and turretted building, all sugged ashlar with finely tooled and polished ashlar dressings. RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect
Comments: Outwith ZTV 136 HGDL GDL No. 23 Ardross Castle Described in the HGDL entry as follows: PM 261829 873896 High No No effect No No effect change change An important planned 19th century estate landscape, central to the character of the Averon valley. At the core of the landscape are early 20th century formal gardens, including an Edwardian garden designed by Edward White, and work by Pulham &Sons and the Bromsgro ve Guild of Applied Arts.
Importance of Site (Values) Work of Art: Outstanding The Italianate Garden by Edward White, with its ornamental features, set within the informal parklands of Ardross Castle and the composition of the designed estate landscape along the Averon, give this site outstanding value as a Work of Art. The landscape, estate buildings and Castle with its interiors, form an important ensemble. Historical: Outstanding The history of Ardross and its owners is well-recorded. It is an important commentary on the social and economic life and organisation of the Averon valley and a good example of contemporary fashion and taste. This gives the site outstanding Historical value. Horticultural: High The fine collection of trees, the Walled Garden and the sylviculture tradition give this site high Horticultural value. Architectural: Outstanding The Castle, its ancillary buildings, estate buildings and Formal Gardens with its range of structures and ornaments, give the site outstanding Architectural value. Scenic: Outstanding The estate designed landscape is integral to the character and outstanding Scenic quality of the Averon valley. Nature Conservation: High The variety of habitats formed by the woodlands, parks, rivers and pastures, give this site high value for Nature Conservation. The riparian woodlands and grasslands of the River Averon are of especially high quality. Archaeological: High There are several sites of archaeological interest which give the policies high Archaeological interest
Comments: The vast majority (>95%) of the HGDL lies outwith the ZTV for the Development. A single turbine will be visible from a small area of a pasture field and an approach road to the farmstead of Mains within RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect the HGDL. Cumulative impacts arising from the development being visible also from the Novar Extension turbines currently under construction are not predicted. No impact on the setting of the HGDL is predicted. 137 HGDL GDL No. 67 Brahan Described in the HGDL entry as follows: PM 251773 855046 High No No effect No No effect change change A 17th century designed landscape with 18th and 19th century improvements, hosting a superb collection of specimen trees. With a long association with the Earls of Seaforth, the landscape comprises parkland, woodland and gardens, and it makes an important contribution to the surrounding scenery.
Importance of Site (Values) Work of Art: Some The policies of Brahan have some value as a Work of Art in their present form; the focal point of the formal design was removed when the castle was demolished. Historical: Outstanding Brahan was the seat of the Seaforth branch of the Mackenzie family and thus has outstanding Historical value. Horticultural: Some The collection of trees from the late 18th century and the early 20th century plantings give some value to the site. Many of the shrubs which were established in the Dell in the 19th century have gone. Architectural: High The castle has been demolished but the designed landscape provides a setting for B listed architectural features and has high Architectural value. Scenic: Outstanding The woodland canopy and the open parkland are highly significant in the surrounding upland scenery. Nature Conservation: Some The 'ancient' woodland on Brahan Hill and the other old shelterbelt plantings provide habitats for a wide range of woodland flora, giving the policies some Nature Conservation value.
Comments: Low-lying HGDL within the Strath Conon valley bottom. The ZTV indicates that turbines could be visible from the eastern portion of the designated area, consisting of mixed arable and pasture farmland and mixed woodland. No visibility from any structures within the HGDL, and mature trees lining the A835 to the north provide extensive screening of the heart of the HGDL. There is a tree-lined avenue leading east- west to Brahan House from Maryburgh, which turns northeastwards at its eastern end. The setting of the HGDL comprises RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect the designated area of the receptor, with sightlines along the tree-lined avenue also important. The Deve lopment will not impact on the setting of the HGDL or intrude upon key sightlines extending from the HGDL. 138 HGDL GDL No. 92 Castle Leod Described in the HGDL entry as follows: PM 248622 859376 High No No effect No No effect change change A long established designed landscape centred on a medieval castle, which makes a major contribution to the scenery of Strathpeffer and the Highland Railway. It also contains an outstanding tree collection dating from the 16th century
Comments: Outwith ZTV 139 HGDL GDL No. 173 Fairburn Described in the HGDL entry as follows: PM 246289 852782 High No No effect Negligi Slight change ble Dating from the late 18th / early 19th century, the designed landscape consists of gardens, woodland and architectural features, and together makes an impressive impact on the local scenery. Fairburn is famous for its trees, especially conifers planted by John Stirling in the 1870s.
Importance of Site (Values) Work of Art: Little The designed landscape at Fairburn has a little value as a Work of Art. Historical: Some Fairburn has some Historical value although there is limited evidence of its development. Horticultural: Outstanding The range and size of the conifers in the woodland garden provide Fairburn House with outstanding Horticultural value. Architectural: High The policies are of high Architectural value as they provide the setting to category B listed buildings. Scenic: Outstanding The woodland canopy and open parkland of the designed landscape make an outstanding contribution to the surrounding scenery. Nature Conservation: Little The woodland flora provides a little Nature Conservation interest.
Comments: Assessed in greater detail in the body of the ES chapter 140 HGDL GDL No. 299 Novar Described in the HGDL entry as follows: PM 261656 868190 High No No effect Negligi Slight change ble A unique example of an 18th century formal layout, combining ideals of land and economic improvement with strict 'military' organisation. Developed between 1770-1805, and relatively unchanged since, the design was executed by General Sir Hector Munro, influenced by his Indian military campaigns. RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect
Work of Art: High The planting and layout of Novar, relatively unchanged since 1800, give the site high value as a Work of Art. It reflects a contemporary and unique approach to the development of the landscape character. Historical: Outstanding Novar has outstanding Historical value due to its good documentary evidence and surviving physical fabric. Horticultural: High Novar has high Horticultur al value for its tree collection, its long history of commercial timber production and the ornamental and productive Walled Garden. Architectural: Outstanding A number of significant architectural features are integral to the design layout and original in their design. Scenic: Outstanding Novar's woodlands, parks, mansion house and follies are visually important in views over from the Black Isle and the A9. Nature Conservation: High The range and variety of woodland, parkland, meadow, garden and wetland habitats gives Novar high Nature Conservation value. Archaeological: Some Novar's archaeological potential is unknown, and there is likely to be some Archaeological interest.
Comments: Assessed in greater detail in the body of the ES chapter 141 HGDL GDL No. 366 The Spa Described in the HGDL entry as follows: PM 248359 858021 High No No effect No No effect Gardens, change change Strathpeffer Strathpeffer Spa Gardens comprise an unusual example of pleasure grounds laid out as part of a 19th century health resort. They illustrate a contemporary acknowledgement of the important curative role of landscape and gentle recreation
Importance of Site (Values) Work of Art: High The design of the picturesque pleasure grounds skillfully integrates a variety of amenity requirements on a comparatively small site. Its picturesque character is significant in the Strathpeffer townscape and essential to the locality. Historical: High The gardens are an important aspect of the development of Strathpeffer Spa as a premier health resort. They are interesting for their associated social and economic history, and constitute an unusual example of a specific type of pleasure grounds. RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect Horticultural: High The collection of exotic specimen trees gives this site high Horticultural value. Architectural: High The Spa Gardens are a prominent feature in the Strathpeffer townscape and are integral to the picturesque landscape character of the town. Scenic: High The Spa Gardens have high Scenic value due to their important contribution to the townscape, as well as the overall landscape character of Strath Peffer itself. Nature Conservation: Some The Spa Gardens provide a variety of wildlife habitats, particularly birds. This gives the site some Nature Conservation value. Archaeological: Unknown The archaeological interest of the Spa Gardens is unknown.
Comments: While lying within the ZTV, there would be little visibility of turbines from the HGDL due to intervening structures within Strathpeffer masking views of turbines. 142 Site NMRS No. Uig Described in the HER and NMRS as follows: PM 257200 867840 Low No No effect No No effect NH56NE35 change change HER No. A farmstead, comprising two roofed buildings, one unroofed building and MHG20770 two enclosures is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Ross-shire & Cromartyshire 1881, sheet lxiv). Three roofed buildings and one enclosure are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 29 February 1996.
Uig House, an unroofed building, with attached dairy rooms on N wall, and byres and stalls to the S, was photographed by a participant in a Community Timeline course, run by ARCH.
Comments: Farmstead consisting of two structures with a surrounding enclosure depicted on mapping from 1 st Edition OS. Occupied until the 1950s, and now abandoned and roofless. 143 Site Uig Comments: Single structure depicted to the south of Uig on 1 st Edition PM 257220 867600 Negligible Moderate No effect No No effect (map) OS mapping, now no longer depicted and not identified during site visit. change Located to the north of the Allt Sgorr a’ Choltair 144 SM SM No. 4559 Cnoc an Monument Described in the HER and NMRS as follows: PREH 258770 863670 High No No effect No No effect NMRS No. Teampuill change change NH56SE11 Cnoc an Teampuill (name verified) consists of an oval stony mound, HER No. overgrown with nettles, which is situated in an arable field on a gentle SE MHG45076, facing slope. It measures 21m E-W by 18m N-S and is 1.5m high. 'MHG8206 Stones cleared from adjoining fields have been piled onto mound, these RSK ID Status Designations Name Type Description Period Easting Northing Importance Physical Significance of Setting Significance of Impact Physical Effect Impact Setting Effect include a number of large slab-like stones now lying on surface of mound.
Comments: Outwith ZTV. 145 Site Cnoc nan Each Comments: There are a considerable number of peat banks and peat PM 252484 866068 Low Moderate Slight No No effect (site cuttings within the Site, particularly on the southern part of Cnoc nan change visit) Each, visible as a series of parallel banks running east to west, and dating to the nineteenth century prior to the abandonment of the crofts and farmsteads in Clare Plantation. These peat banks are diffuse and extensive in nature, and do not occupy the entirety of the area identified within the polygon on Figure 9.1
Chronology ME Mesolithic 12,000 – 4,000 BC NE Neolithic c.4,000 – c.2,400 BC BA Bronze Age c. 2,400 – 550 BC IA Iron Age 550 BC – 560 AD PREH Prehistoric (500,000 BC – 560 AD) EME Early Medieval 561 AD – 1057 AD MED Medieval 1058 AD –1559 AD PM Post-medieval 1560 AD – 1900 AD MOD Modern 1901 AD – Present
Appendix 9.2 Archaeology – Plates and References
Falck Renewables Wind Ltd and Coriolis Energy LLP Clach Liath Windfarm Environmental Statement G/P/190135/08/03/02/01 Rev00 List of Plates
Plate 1: View of west side of the Site from Cnoc nan Each (facing WNW)
Plate 2: View of west side of the Site from Cnoc nan Each (facing W)
Plate 3: View of heavily cut and eroded area near summit of Cnoc nan Each.
Plate 4: Establishing native pinewood scheme on eastern lower slopes of Cnoc nan Each
Plate 5: Post-medieval peat cutting banks on north side of the southern saddle of Cnoc nan Each viewed from N.
Plate 6: Northern boundary of the Site, bounded by deer-proof fencing.
Plate 7: Ford crossing the Allt nan Caorach (RSK Site 55) viewed from the south.
Plate 8: Bruachdian enclosure (RSK Site 50). Plate 9: Establishing coniferous plantation in the former open fields adjacent to Uig (RSK Site 142).
Plate 10: Tree roots and stump at the base of a peat bank within the western half of the Site.
Plate 11: Balnacrae chambered cairn (RSK Site 1) viewed from NW.
Plate 12: View of aboveground remains of Eileanach Lodge settlement SM (RSK Site 2).
Plate 13: View of Strath Sgitheach SM (RSK Site 72) from the southeast, with Cioch Mhòr in the background. The scheduled area lies behind the forestry, with the Abhainn Sgitheach in the foreground. Taken from Heights of Docharty.
Plate 14: View from Heights of Brae chambered cairn (RSK Site 73) northwards towards the Site. Strath Sgitheach and RSK Site 72 are located in the middle ground. Meall a’ Ghuail is located in the background. Development turbines would be visible behind Meall a’ Ghuail.
Plate 15: View of Craig Castle (RSK Site 120) from the southeast, looking towards the Site over the Cromarty Firth.
Plate 16: View of the core of the Fairburn HGDL (RSK Site 139) – the woodland garden around Fairburn House, taken from the east along a tree- lined avenue.
Plate 17: View along E-W aligned tree-lined avenue leading to Fairburn HGDL (RSK Site 139) from the west.
Plate 18: View northeastwards towards the Site from the tree-lined avenue leading to Fairburn HGDL (RSK Site 139).
Plate 19: View along avenue leading to Mains of Novar looking southeast with the Novar HGDL (RSK Site 140).
Plate 20: View across parklands in Novar HGDL (RSK Site 140) from the east looking towards the Site, with Novar House in the middle ground.
References
National Library of Scotland Digital Map Library Cartographer Title/ Description Date Gordon, R. Extima Scotiae septentrionalis ora, ubi Provinciae 1654 and J. Blaeu sunt Rossia, Sutherlandia, Cathenesia, Strath- Naverniae, cum vicinis regiunculis quae eis subsunt, etiamque Moravia / R. Gordonius à Strath-loch collegit et descripsit. Moll, H. The Shires of Ross, and Cromartie 1745 Roy, W Roy Military Survey of Scotland – Highlands 1752 –55 Thomson, Northern Part of Ross and Cromarty Shires. 1832 John Southern Part. Ordnance Ross and Cromarty, Ross-shire Sheets LXIV 7, 8, Surveyed 1875, Survey 12, 11, 15, 16 published 1881 Ordnance Ross and Cromarty, Ross-shire Sheets LXXVI.2; 3 Surveyed 1875, Survey published 1881 Ordnance Ross and Cromarty, Ross-shire Sheets LXIV.11, Surveyed 1875, Survey 15 published 1881
Vertical Aerial Photographs from the Royal Commission Library Ref Sortie # Date Frame # B0078 106G/05/46 08/05/46 3092, 3094, 3096 3256, 3258 4256, 4258 B0364 58/1327 16/12/1953 F22/ 0058, 0057 F21/ 0055, 0057 B0396 82/1052 05/11/1954 F21/0069, 0071, 0073 B0603 542/0074 26/10/1954 F21/0157, 0155 B0642 58/1222 19/7/1953 F21/ 0020, 0022 F22/0020, 0022 C0252 ASS/607/88 06/05/1988 207, 208, 209 OS63-164 0S63-164 20/7/1963 101 – 103 65 – 68 OS63-165 0S63-165 20/7/1963 19 – 22 OS65-045 OS65-045 22/4/1965 001 - 003 OS68-212 OS68-212 14/6/1968 319, 320, 367, 368
Highland Council Archive Resources
Vertical Aerial Photographs from the Highland Council Archives Sortie # Date Frame # 541/A/543 12/06/1950 4001 CPE/SCOT/UK184 9/10/1946 2111-2113 106G DY25 21/09/1944 6112-3
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Schofield, J. 1999. Landscapes of the Middle Ages: Towns. In J. Hunter and I. Ralston (eds) The Archaeology of Britain: An introduction from the Upper Palaeolithic to the Industrial Revolution : 210 – 227. London: Routledge.
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Stewart, J. M. and S. E. Durno 1969. Structural Variations in peat. New Phyto 68: 167- 82. Cited in Edwards, K. J. and I. Ralston 1984. Postglacial hunter- gatherers and vegetational history in Scotland. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 114: 15 – 34.
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Tipping, R. P. Ashmore, A. Davies, A. Haggart, A. Moir, A. Newton, R. Sands, T. Skinner and E. Tisdall 2007. Peat, pine stumps, and people: interactions behind climate, vegetation change and human activity in wetland archaeology at Loch Farlary, northern Scotland. In J. Barber, C. Clark, M. Cressey, A. Crone, A. Hale, J. Henderson, R. Houseley, R. Sands and A Sheridan (Eds) Archaeology from the Wetlands: Recent Perspectives. Proceedings of the 11th WARP Conference, Edinburgh 2005. WARP Occasional paper 18: 157 – 164. Society of Antiquaries of Scotland: Edinburgh.
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Websites http://www.dingwall.org.uk/History-Clans/History.aspx (website on the history of Dingwall) http://hla.rcahms.gov.uk/ (Historic Landuse Assessment data) www.nls.co.uk (National Library of Scotland digital map service) http://ads.ahds.ac.uk (Archaeology Data Service) www.nas.gov.uk (National Archives of Scotland) http://hsewsf.sedsh.gov.uk/pls/htmldb/f?p=500:1:1367268110883482 (Historic Scotland Digital Data download) http://her.highland.gov.uk/simplesearch.aspx (Highland Council Historic Environment Records) http://edina.ac.uk/statacc (Statistical Accounts of Scotland Online)