Dam at West end of site.

Figure One: Site Location

Acknowledgements

RCAHMS – Aerial photographic department. Staff of the Council Archaeology Unit Head Game-Keeper and assistant. Sandy Dey. On-Site Engineer for Adrain Laycock, Ian Alsop

1 Contents

Acknowledgments 1 1. Introduction 4 2. Objectives 6 3. Methodology 8 4. Results 8 5. Cultural Heritage Resource 20 6. Conclusions 21

Appendix I Full site details 22 Appendix II Photographic Record 29 Appendix III Site Photographs 30

2 Summary

Alba Archaeology (Highland) Limited was commissioned in March 2008 by Adrian Laycock Limited to carry out an Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey at the site of the proposed Hydroelectric Power Project on Coignafearn Estate, Tomatin. The survey was required as a condition of the planning application ‘in order to ensure the protection of the archaeological interest of the site’. The actual work consisted of a desk based assessment and walk-over survey including consultation with resident site engineer, Ian Alsop.

The Desk Based Assessment did not identify any potential archaeology nor any known sites within the area in question.

The walk over survey identified no visible archaeological remains at the site which were likely to be affected either directly or indirectly by the proposed development. The potential for unrecorded archaeology was assessed to unlikely therefore it is not recommended that any further work is required at the site.

3 1. Introduction

Alba Archaeology (Highland) Limited was commissioned in March 2008 by Adrian Laycock Limited to carry out an Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey at the site of the proposed Hydroelectric Power project on Coignafearn Estate, Tomatin. The work was commissioned as part of the planning application conditions which were set by the Highland Council. The proposed development consists of a small hydroelectric scheme to be installed on the Alt Fionnach burn to generate electricity. Figure 1 below shows the layout and main components of the development which include single dam, saddle dam, pipelines and a turbine.

Figure 1 Coignafearn development site plan

The initial assessment concluded that the potential for unrecorded archaeological sites including possible prehistoric settlements and relict land-use features was high and that

4 there was a lack of data available on the site. It was also recommended that the assessment consider the potential for impact on the wider historic environment in which it is situated.

An Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey was therefore recommended. This included a desk based assessment of available data sources and a site walk-over survey to identify any potentially unrecorded archaeological features in the area.

The survey was carried out in accordance with the Highland Council Archaeological Unit Guidelines.

5 2. Objectives

The objectives of the work were as follows: ƒ To undertake a desk based assessment of available data sources to identify any recorded archaeological remains in the development area; ƒ To undertake a walk over survey of the development site and immediately adjacent area to identify and record any archaeological features; ƒ To consider the impact of the proposed development on the wider cultural heritage resource of the area; and ƒ To propose measures (where appropriate) to mitigate any potentially adverse impacts.

3. Methodology

The potential for archaeological sites in the area of the development was assessed through a desk based assessment and walk over survey.

The desk based assessment included research into all relevant archaeological and historical material including the National Monuments Record of (NMRS) held by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCHAMS), via the NMRS Canmore and PASTMAP internet databases and aerial photographs and a cartographic search.

The walk over survey was undertaken over two separate site visits, 21/03/08 and 26/04/08. The area covered by this survey is shown in Figure 2 below. This survey was undertaken using the methodology recommended in the Highland Council Archaeological Unit guidelines.

Consultation was also undertaken with the Resident Engineer Ian Alsop and Head Game- keeper Sandy Dey during these site visits.

6 Figure 2 Coignafearn survey area (shown in grey shading)

7 4. Results

Desk based assessment Please note that the main finds are along the River Findhorn, though the sites to the South do suggest that other sites may be found along the banks of those streams which join it. These sites were all located at some distance from the proposed development site and therefore are not discussed in detail.

Figure 3 Sites held on RCAHMS Past-Map

The RCAHMS hold a number of aerial photographs, three of which cover the site. These provided information on the general geographical context of the site area and having been taken over a number of years they do not show all of the buildings currently

8 located at Coignafearn Lodge. No further archaeological sites were identified through the aerial photographs of the site.

Sortie Frames Date Scale Lib.

541/A/399 4189-4190 21.5.48 1:10000 B242

541/A/483 3162-3163 23.6.49 1:10000 B275

64188 120-119 15.10.88 1:24000 C258

Before considering the maps which directly relate to the site area it is worth noting the map shown in Figure 4 below which shows Lower Coignafearn located to the North East of the development site. This map clearly shows a level of recording which would be expected to identify any buildings or walls in the survey area. Further investigation of the maps of the development site (Figures 5 to 11) shows no buildings or other walled features identified on these maps in the area. Taking the level of recording in Figure 4 as the standard it can therefore be concluded that no features of this kind existed at the time of the first .

The earlier maps of the area also show no visible buildings or other walled structures within the development site.

9 Figure 4 Ordnance Survey first edition (1874), Sheet 74 Note the quality of recording of buildings and walling on the Estate, down river, to the North East of the survey area.

10 Figure 5 Ordnance Survey first edition, Grantown 1866 (1870 Imprint 1877), Sheet 74 Note no buildings recorded at the site

11 Figure 6 Close up of Ordnance Survey second edition (1885 – 1900) Coignafearn Lodge and associated buildings

12 Figure 7 Ordnance Survey second edition (1885 – 1900) Coignafearn Lodge

13 Figure 8 Ordnance Survey coloured map second edition (1885 – 1900) Note no wood cover in site area

14 Figure 8 Ordnance Survey mono-tone map (1906 – 1908)

15 Figure 9 1663 AD Gordon Robert 1580 -1661 in Counties of Scotland

16 Figure 10 Roy Military Map of Coignafearn 1747- 55.

Walk-over survey The data search outlined above showed that there were no recorded settlements or other structures at the development site. There was however still the potential that other evidence of past activity would be found at the site, in particular on or among the boulders, on the upper part of the South facing slope, or in the limited peat area just above the ford. Around this area there may have been markings, structures or stray finds. In relation to post-medieval settlement there were three possible features seen on the aerial photographs, again on the South facing slope. These areas were visited but no up-standing structures were identified nor were there any indications that any had existed.

The site walkover survey covered the area identified in Figure 2 above and the following photographs were taken of the development area, additional photographs are to be found in Appendix Three.

17

Figure 11 The peat at the South-West end of the Saddle-dam Note this area has a greater depth to it, and a richer survival record. This contrasts with the rest of the site, as seen below.

Figure 12 Saddle-dam. East facing – down river

18 Figure 13 Typical south side of the site. Facing West

Figure 14 Facing East – down river Note while the pipeline is visible at present it will be buried and therefore have no impact on the historical environment.

19 Consultation During the visits to the site, the archaeologist was able to talk with the estate’s head game-keeper and colleague about the area. Both were of the opinion that there were no known settlements along the Allt Fionnach, in the area of the work, pointing out the steepness of the hill-side. In addition, from their local knowledge, both agreed that any sites would be further up on the more level ground. Neither had seen any walling on or near the site. Taking into account that they would have seen the area in a variety of conditions and at different times of day their comments should be considered both valid and valuable.

5. Cultural Heritage resource As the desk based assessment and site walk over survey identified no recorded archaeological remains or evidence of unrecorded sites in the area the potential impact of the development on the cultural heritage resource of the area is considered very limited. There is the possibility that archaeological sites may be identified at a later date particularly further up the glen. However the construction of the dam and saddle dam is not considered of a scale great enough to cause any disruption to any potential sites in this area.

At the junction of Allt Fionnach, accross which the dam is being built, and the River Findhorn there is a large Estate Lodge and a number of smaller buildings. Up river, across the bridge which crosses the Allt Fionnach, an area has been ear-marked for the construction of the turbine. No archaeology was noted here and therefore no impact could be considered to exist.

The estate is a working business with a number of functional buildings. Within its setting, next to these buildings it opined here that one additional building would not have a detrimental effect on that landscape, although measures should be taken to ensure sensitive and appropriate exterior design, as evidenced elsewhere on the estate.

20 6. Conclusions

The survey did not identify any archaeological remains nor raise concerns over any significant impact on the local landscape which might be brought about by this development. It is recommended that no further archaeological survey work is required but that any extension of the development or new development in this area should receive further archaeological consideration.

21 Appendix 1 Full site details

Site1 Coignafearn

SMR NUMBER: NH71NW0003 DISTRICT: Inverness; PARISH: INVERNESS:Moy and Dalarossie SITE TYPE: Enclosure; PERIOD: Post Medieval (AD 1500-2000); EASTING: (2)70700 NORTHING: (8)17700 EVIDENCE: Map; NH71NW 3 Map Ref: 707 177

An enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Inverness-shire 1874, sheet lvi), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1974). Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 4 July 1996

Site 2 Abhainn Cro Chlach

SMR NUMBER: NH60NW0001 DISTRICT: Inverness; PARISH: INVERNESS:Moy and Dalarossie SITE TYPE: Shieling Huts; PERIOD: Post Medieval (AD 1500-2000); EASTING: (2)64410 NORTHING: (8)08230 EVIDENCE: Map;

NH60NW 2 Map Ref: 6441 0823

What may be two unroofed shieling-huts are depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Inverness-shire 1872, sheet lxxi), they are not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992).

22 Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 8 July 1996

Site 3 Allt Calder

SMR NUMBER: NH61NE0001 DISTRICT: Inverness; PARISH: INVERNESS:Moy and Dalarossie SITE TYPE: Farmstead; PERIOD: Post Medieval (AD 1500-2000); EASTING: (2)69130 NORTHING: (8)16710 EVIDENCE: Map; NH61NE 1 Map Ref: 6913 1671 What may be a farmstead comprising one unroofed building of two compartments attached to a three compartment enclosure is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6- inch map (Inverness-shire 1874, sheet lvi). One unroofed building is shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1973). Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 4 July 1996

Site 4 Monadhliath Mountains

SMR NUMBER: NH71SW0001 DISTRICT: Badenoch and Strathspey; PARISH: INVERNESS:Alvie SITE TYPE: Aircraft; PERIOD: 20th Century; EASTING: (2)72500 NORTHING: (8)10600 EVIDENCE: Other Report;

A Lancaster crashed on August 31st, 1944. Broke up in mid air. Serial No. PD258. Sqd. 463.

Site 5 Lower Coignashie

23

SMR NUMBER: NH71NW0001 DISTRICT: Inverness; PARISH: INVERNESS:Moy and Dalarossie SITE TYPE: Township; PERIOD: Post Medieval (AD 1500-2000); EASTING: (2)71600 NORTHING: (8)18000 EVIDENCE: Map;

NH71NW 1 centred on Map Ref:716 180

A township comprising one unroofed building and six roofed buildings, one of which is arranged around three sides of a courtyard, is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6- inch map (Inverness-shire 1874, sheet lvi). One partially roofed and two unroofed buildings are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1974). Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 4 July 1996

Site 6 Dalbeg

SMR NUMBER: NH61SE0002 DISTRICT: Inverness; PARISH: INVERNESS:Moy and Dalarossie SITE TYPE: Farmstead; PERIOD: Post Medieval (AD 1500-2000); EASTING: (2)65550 NORTHING: (8)13120 EVIDENCE: Map;

NH61SE 2 Map Ref: 6555 1312

A farmstead, comprising three roofed buildings, one unroofed building and two enclosures is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Inverness-shire 1872,

24 sheet lxxi). One roofed building and three enclosures are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 8 July 1996.

Site 7 Caochan A'Choire Sheilich

SMR NUMBER: NH61SW0001 DISTRICT: Inverness; PARISH: INVERNESS:Moy and Dalarossie SITE TYPE: Shieling Huts; PERIOD: Post Medieval (AD 1500-2000); EASTING: (2)60760 NORTHING: (8)10870 EVIDENCE: Map; NH61SW 1 Map Ref: 6076 1087

What may be a single unroofed shieling-hut is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6- inch map (Inverness-shire 1874-5, sheet lxx), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1991). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 4 July 1996.

25 Site 8 Elrick Burn

SMR NUMBER: NH61SE0004 DISTRICT: Inverness; PARISH: INVERNESS:Moy and Dalarossie SITE TYPE: Bothy; PERIOD: Post Medieval (AD 1500-2000); EASTING: (2)68760 NORTHING: (8)11730 EVIDENCE: Map NH61SE 4 Map Ref: 6876 1173

A single unroofed building is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Inverness-shire 1872, sheet lxxi). One roofed building, some 40m to the S, is shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 8 July 1996.

Site 9 Dalbeg

SMR NUMBER: NH61SE0003 DISTRICT: Inverness; PARISH: INVERNESS:Moy and Dalarossie SITE TYPE: Building; PERIOD: Post Medieval (AD 1500-2000); EASTING: (2)65470 NORTHING: (8)13010 EVIDENCE: Map; NH61SE 3 Map Ref: 6547 1301

One roofed building and one unroofed building are depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Inverness-shire 1872, sheet lxxi), but they are not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 8 July 1996.

26 Site 10 Coignafeuinternich

SMR NUMBER: NH71NW0005 DISTRICT: Inverness; PARISH: INVERNESS:Moy and Dalarossie SITE TYPE: Farmstead; PERIOD: Post Medieval (AD 1500-2000); EASTING: (2)72660 NORTHING: (8)17830 EVIDENCE: Map; Other Report;

Settlement shown on 1st edition OS map. Woodland Grant Scheme proposal to fell trees from the archaeology. Forestry file ref. FCC/3752. A M Fox, Highland Council, 20.02.02

Site 11 River Findhorn

SMR NUMBER: NH61SE0001 DISTRICT: Inverness; PARISH: INVERNESS:Moy and Dalarossie SITE TYPE: Enclosure; EASTING: (2)67900 NORTHING: (8)14870 NH61SE 1 Map Ref: 6790 1487

Two enclosures are depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Inverness-shire 1874, sheet lvi), but they are not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1992). Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 4 July 1996

27 Site 12 Coignascallan

SMR NUMBER: NH71NW0004 DISTRICT: Inverness; PARISH: INVERNESS:Moy and Dalarossie SITE TYPE: Farm steading; PERIOD: Post Medieval (AD 1500-2000); EASTING: (2)73030 NORTHING: (8)18520

This site includes the Old Lodge Steading and Farmhouse. See assoc. docs. File. J Aitken : 20/04/01.

28 Appendix 2 Photographic register

PHOTO DIRECTION DATE No. DESCRIPTION FACING 06/05/2008 cti 001 Coignafearn. Lodge. W 06/05/2008 cti 002 Access Road. NW 06/05/2008 cti 003 South side of stream. Steep Hill-side W 06/05/2008 cti 004 Peat Area, on South side of stream. W 06/05/2008 cti 005 Access Road with pipeline. Looking down stream. E 06/05/2008 cti 006 Above Ford. North side of stream. SW 06/05/2008 cti 007 Typical landscape above ford area. North side of stream. W 06/05/2008 cti 008 Behind Dam. Area to be flooded. NE 06/05/2008 cti 009 Behind Saddle Dam. Same spot as cti 008. E 06/05/2008 cti 010 Peat Area. E 06/05/2008 cti 011 Peat Area, West of cti 010. Greater depth of peat. S 06/05/2008 cti 012 Peat Area, West edge of Saddle Dam. NE 06/05/2008 cti 013 Access Road. NW 06/05/2008 cti 014 Coignafearn Lodge. NE 06/05/2008 cti 015 Location of Turbine N 06/05/2008 cti 016 Coignafearn Lodge, area of outfall. E

29

30

Appendix III. Sheet One.

CTI 001 CTI 002

CTI 003 CTI 004

CTI 005 CTI 006

CTI 007 CTI 008

Appendix III – Sheet Two

CTI 009 CTI010

CTI 011 CTI012

CTI 013 CTI 014

CTI 015 CTI 016