An Archaeological Survey for the Socaich Burn Hydro Scheme, Ardtornish Estate, Morvern, Lochaber, Highland

An Archaeological Survey for the Socaich Burn Hydro Scheme, Ardtornish Estate, Morvern, Lochaber, Highland.

For Hydroplan UK.

April 2015.

Jennifer G. Robertson MA PhD FSA Scot. MCIfA

Garden Cottage, Ardtornish Estate, Morvern, By Oban, Argyll, PA80 5UZ. Tel. 01967 421234. E-Mail [email protected]

Socaich Burn Hydro Scheme

1. Summary. Eight archaeological sites were recorded in a desk-based and walkover survey at Socaich Burn, Ardtornish Estate, Morvern, Lochaber, Highland. One is a natural feature: a waterfall, Site 3, with historical associations and the rest are all pertaining to the pre-clearance agricultural landscape. The dyke and field, Sites 5 and 6, the structure, Site 7, and the shieling settlement, Site 8, were part of Achranich farm and are depicted on a plan of 1815. The track, Site 1, and possible shieling settlement, Site 2, were associated with Ardtornish Farm and the dyke, Site 4, was the boundary between the two estates.

No Scheduled Ancient Monuments or listed buildings are situated within or near the survey area The archaeological sites with grid references, impact assessments and mitigations are summarized in Table 1 in Appendix A.

2. Introduction. An archaeological survey was undertaken on behalf of Hydroplan UK., at Socaich Burn, Ardtornish Estate, Morvern, Lochaber, Highland (OS 1:10,000 Sheets NM74NW and NM74SW), prior to the proposed construction of a hydro scheme. (See Fig 1: Location Map)

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The proposed hydro scheme at Achranich consists of: (See Fig. 3) a) Intake 4 on the Allt Leacach at NM 70291 44818 b) Intake 3 on the Allt na Samhnachain at NM 70322 45558 c) An open leat from Intakes 4 and 3 to: d) An intake header pond at NM 70987 46277 e) Intake 1 on the Allt Na Socaich at NM 72201 45016 f) A buried pipeline from Intake 1 and from the intake header pond via: g) A pipe bridge across the Socaich Burn at NM 71493 46205 to: h) A powerhouse at NM 71719 46982, to the South of the Rannoch Dam.

A new access track leads from the existing Rannoch Dam track to the power house and a construction track will follow along the route of the pipelines and leat.

The survey area consists of a narrow strip of ground, 50m either side of the proposed pipelines, an area 50m in diameter around the intakes and 100m in diameter around the powerhouse.

The survey area lies mostly on Tertiary basalt, resulting from the Mull volcano, apart from the area to the North of the pipe junction and bridge, which crosses the psammitic gneiss of the Moine group. Most of the survey area consists of relatively gently sloping ground, although the pipe route from the Socaich Burn to the power house runs through a gully between low rocky outcrops. The altitude rises from 90m OD at the power house to 220m OD at Intake 4. The whole survey area has been, and still is, used as pasture, though close to an extensive system of cultivated fields.

3. Working Methods. The survey consisted of a combination of a desk-based assessment and a rapid walkover survey.

3.1. Desk-based Assessment. The desk-based assessment consisted of the consultation of a variety of sources:

3.1.1. Sites and Monuments Registers. a) The National Monuments Record of Scotland (NMRS), held by RCAHMS, John Sinclair House, 16 Bernard Terrace, Edinburgh EH8 9NX, available on www.rcahms.gov.uk b) The Historic Environment Record (HER), held by the Highland Council Archaeology Unit, Planning and Development Service, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX, available on www.ambaile.org

One site has been recorded within the survey area:

1. Aoineadh Achadh Rainich field system at NM 7026 4653 (Sites 5 & 6) NMRS Ref. NM74NW.25 (Canmore ID 345419) HER Ref. - (No details; four digital air photos)

Three further sites have been recorded within the vicinity.

2. Allt Na Socaich shieling hut at NM 7230 4490 (Site 7) NMRS Ref. NM74SW.7 (Canmore ID 81994)

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HER Ref. MHG 17841 “Shieling Site, 675ft. OD: ‘Gortanbeg’ on a plan of 1815. No traces remain.” (P. Gaskell, 1968)

3. Rubha Na Samhnachain farmstead at NM 6950 4590. NMRS Ref. NM64NE.19 (Canmore ID 79966) HER Ref. MHG 570 “Samhnach: remains of a house and razed remains of at least two other buildings 100yds SSE. At NM 693 460, there are also the outline of one house on the road N of the lime kiln, with remains of two houses and a (?) grain kiln on the plateau above it. All occupied 1815, upper pair abandoned 1841, lower house possibly abandoned in 1855, though still roofed in 1872.” (P. Gaskell, 1968) “Four unroofed, one unroofed building, two enclosures, some field walls and a lime kiln are depicted on the first edition of the OS 6-inch map (Argyllshire, 1880, sheet lxx). Three unroofed buildings, some field walls and a disused kiln are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10,000 (1975).”

4. Allt Leacach shieling hut at NM 705 447. (Site 2) NMRS Ref. NM74SW.8 (Canmore ID 81995) HER Ref. MHG 17842

“Shielings were probably located at NM 705 447, 800ft OD, the destination of an old track from Ardtornish. There are no remains extant.” (P. Gaskell, 1968)

3.1.2. Maps. a) William Roy’s Map of Scotland, 1747-55. b) George Langlands & Sons: Map of Argyleshire, 1801. c) Plan of the lands of Achranich, surveyed 1815 by Alexander Langlands. (see below - Ardtornish Estate Archives) d) John Thomson: the Atlas of Scotland, Edinburgh, 1832. e) OS 1st Ed. 6” Map Sheets: Argyllshire lv and lxxi, surveyed 1872, publ. 1875. f) OS 2nd Ed. 6” Map Sheets Argyllshire lv SW and lxxi NW, revised 1897, publ. 1900. g) OS 1:10,000 Sheets NM74NW and NM74SW, 1974. h) OS Explorer 383 Morvern & Lochaline, 1:25,000, 2007.

3.1.3. Archives. a) Ardtornish Estate Archives: Plan of the lands of Achranich, surveyed 1815 by Alexander Langlands Copy of Tennyson letter

3.1.4. Aerial Photographs. Aerial photographs were consulted in the RCAHMS Air Photo Unit: a) 106G/UK/0035; Date 27.04.1946; Scale 1:10,000; Frames 5156-7, 5187-91 b) 106G/UK/0102; Date 19.05.1946; Scale 1:9,600; Frames 3351, 4421-25 c) 106G/UK/0101; Date 19.05.1946; Scale 1:10,800;; Frames 3375-79, 3433, 3375, 4335-4340, 4378 d) OS68-105; Date 08.05.1968; Scale 1:10,000, Frames 045-050, 057-058.

3.1.4. Published Sources. Gaskell, Philip: Morvern Transformed, 1968, Cambridge. MacLeod, Rev. J.: “Parish of Morvern” in The New Statistical Account of Scotland, vii, 1845, 163-95. MacLeod, Rev. N.: “Parish of Morvern” in (Old) Statistical Account of Scotland, x, 1794, 262-76.

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Miers, Mary: The Western Seaboard: An Illustrated Architectural Guide, 2008 RCAHMS Argyll An Inventory of the Monuments Vol. 3 Mull, Tiree, Coll and Northern Argyll, 1980, HMSO. Sellar, E.M.: Recollections and Impressions, 1907, Edinburgh and London.

3.2. Fieldwork. The desk-based research was followed by a rapid walkover survey. This was undertaken in dry, often sunny conditions by the writer on 15th March, 17th March and 2nd April 2015. The survey area is currently used as open pasture and the vegetation cover was conducive to archaeological investigation.

4. Historical Background.

“If he did not see Loch Coruisk He ought to be forgiven For though he miss’d a day in Skye He spent a day in Heaven!” (Tennyson, quoted in Sellar, 1907, 56)

With this rhyme, Alfred, Lord Tennyson described spending an extra day in Morvern during a visit in 1853, instead of travelling to the Isle of Skye as planned. His hostess, Mrs. E.M. Sellar recorded that they had gone “for a long walk on the moors, ending at a waterfall that fell over a cliff, hollowed out, under which we were able to creep; and we sat with the water falling before us like a silver veil.” (Sellar, 1907, 54) According to local tradition, this waterfall was that on the Allt na Samhnachain and is now known locally as Tennyson’s Waterfall, Site 3.

The survey area is situated above the steep cliff of Aoineadh Achadh Rainich on fertile, gently sloping ground to the East of Loch Aline and South of the River Rannoch. The Achranich area has a long history of occupation. Although there is no evidence of prehistoric activity within the survey area, considerable remains are found to the NW of the loch-head. Bronze Age burial cairns occur at Kinlochaline while further examples have been recorded along the Aline Valley, leading from Kinlochaline to Acharn. Even earlier occupation is suggested by the discovery of Mesolithic flints, also at Acharn. 1

Medieval settlement is also focussed on the NW side of the loch, in the shape of Kinlochaline Castle, constructed in the 15th century. Remodelled in c.1600, the castle features a first floor entrance with a pit prison below the guard chamber. 2 An attack in 1679 by the 9th Earl of Argyll, which left cannon balls wedged in the castle wall, presumably had an effect on the whole area around the head of Loch Aline.

From 1703 to 1775, the central portion of Morvern, including the survey area was part of the estate of Cameron of Glendessary, whose house at Acharn seems to have been a superior version of the creel houses, occupied by the tenants: consisting of wicker work between oak beams and covered with heather and turf, the interior was nevertheless “divided into several apartments, and finished in a style of taste

1 Kinlochaline Cairns = NMRS Ref. NM64NE.5 (Canmore ID 22434); Kinlochaline Cists = NMRS Ref. NM64NE.10 (Canmore ID 22428) Claggan Cairns = NMRS Ref. NM64NE.7 (Canmore ID 22436) Acharn Cairns = NMRS Ref. NM65SE.4 -5 (Canmore ID 22479 and 22480); NM75SW.2 (Canmore ID 22682) Mesolithic flints = NMRS Ref. NM65SE.6 (Canmore ID 22481) Mesolithic Flints = NMRS Ref. NM65SE.6 (Canmore ID 22481) 2 Kinlochaline Castle = NMRS Ref. NM64NE.3 (Canmore ID 22432)

J.G.Robertson. Ardtornish. April 2015. 4 Socaich Burn Hydro Scheme and elegance corresponding with the enlightened taste of the inhabitants”. (MacLeod, 1843)

By 1800, part of Glendessary’s estate including the area around the River Rannoch, belonged to MacDonald of Borrodale. This estate, known as Achranich, was bounded to the North by the River Aline and Gleann Geal and to the South by the Allt na Samhnachain.

Fig. 2: Extract from Alexander Langlands’ Plan of the Lands of Achranich, 1815 (Ardtornish Estate Archives)

A plan of the lands of Achranich, surveyed in 1815 by Alexander Langlands, depicts the survey area and its environs. (See Fig. 2) The arable ground (marked in yellow in Fig. 2) of Achranich Farm lay mostly along the South bank of the River Rannoch, while an extensive tract of outfield (marked in pink on Fig. 2) lay on the slopes above the Aoineadh Achadh Rainich. The boundaries of these latter fields can be traced on the ground today and the rig and furrow within is distinguishable in aerial photographs. (NMRS Ref. NM74NW.25) The northeasternmost field, marked 12 on the 1815 map, is just within the survey area and is recorded here as Site 6.

The Achranich settlement seems to have consisted of nine houses, located along the South bank of the River Rannoch around the present Ardtornish Estate yard and farm buildings but any trace of the 18th or early 19th century structures has been swept away by later development. (1815 map; Gaskell, 1968, 140) Another small group of buildings, associated with a corn drying kiln and also dating from at least 1815, survives on the southern boundary of the estate along the Allt na

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Samhnachain, downstream from Tennyson’s Waterfall, Site 1. (NMRS Ref. NM64NE.19 part of) It is further possible that at least one of the clearance cairns within the field, Site 6i, may be a demolished building.

The 1815 map also depicted the shieling settlement, used for summer grazing. Labelled Gortanderg, the area is depicted as green pasture and flanked by “Old Shielins”. (See Fig. 2) Gaskell noted this site but did not find any remains and suggested a location of NM 7230 4490 from the 1815 map and this has been followed in the NMRS. (Gaskell, 1968, 140; NMRS Ref. NM74SW.7) However, remains have been recorded by the writer, Site 8, centred on NM 71733 45320, further downstream to the NW but out of the range of the present survey area.

The land to the South of the Allt na Samhnachain, was part of Ardtornish Estate, which from perhaps the late 17th century until 1819 belonged to the Dukes of Argyll. (Gaskell, 1968, 133) The dyke, Site 4, was presumably the boundary between Achranich and Ardtornish estates and may date to at least the 18th century. Settlement and presumably the arable ground was, in Medieval times, focussed around Ardtornish Castle on the Sound of Mull, though after the castle was abandoned in the late 17th century, settlement seems to have relocated further North. (RCAHMS, 1980, 170-173; Roy’s map) A further outpost was situated on the northern boundary of the estate on the South bank of the Allt na Samhachain, adjacent to the small group belonging to Achranich Estate. (NMRS Ref. NM64NE.19 part of)

A track leading from Ardtornish to the Allt Leacach, led Gaskell to suggest that its destination at NM 7050 4470, some distance upstream from Intake 4, may have been the site of shielings, though no remains have been identified. (NMRS Ref. NM74SW.8; Gaskell, 1968, 132)

The early 19th century saw a cataclysmic change in Morvern and throughout the Highlands. In the 25 years between 1813 and 1838, every single property in Morvern changed hands, some more than once. Among the new arrivals was Patrick Sellar, infamous factor for the Duke of Sutherland, who acquired Acharn Estate in 1838 and Ardtornish Estate in 1844, promptly clearing 48 families to make way for sheep. (Gaskell, 1968, 145, 133) Later, others were inspired by the Balmoral effect, seeking a sporting playground in the Highlands. In 1845, Achranich Estate was bought by Octavius Hugh Smith, who had made his fortune as a distiller in London. (Gaskell, 1968, 141) Sellar’s Morvern lands of Acharn and Ardtornish were separated by Achranich Estate and Sellar depended on the goodwill of his neighbour for permission to move his flocks around his estate. However, with the arrival of Octavius Smith, he acquired a neighbour, “who for strength of will and dislike of opposition was a match for Sellar himself”. (Gaskell, 1968, 42) The two neighbours quarrelled, only agreeing after resorting to the law. A copy of the 1815 map has been annotated, perhaps by Sellar himself, showing routes between the two parts of his estate, across Achranich (and the survey area).

After Sellar’s death in 1851, his children retained the estate and it was during this time that Tennyson along with a fellow poet, Palgrave, visited Ardtornish. By the mid-19th century, visitors such as these were attracted to “the glamour of the West Highlands” and found in Morvern “a special quality of other-worldly isolation that set it apart from its neighbours”. (Gaskell, 1968, 58) Sellar’s heirs eventually sold Ardtornish in 1860 to Octavius Smith, thereby uniting the estates of Ardtornish, Achranich and Acharn into a landholding of over 30,000 acres, “much the largest coherent estate that had ever been farmed by a single proprietor in Morvern”. (Gaskell, 1968, 71)

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Gazetteer.

Site 1. Old Track. NGR (NE end) NM 70500 44700 An old track is depicted on the OS 1st Ed. 6” map leading northwards from Ardtornish Steading at NM 6924 4330. It runs along the East side of the enclosed fields via the site of the 18th century Ardtornish farmstead at Achadh Na Craoibh-Sgiteich (NM 69100 44300). From here the track veered uphill to the NE, petering out before reaching Allt na Buaile. The 2nd Ed. 6” map does not show the track at all but later maps show a path continuing beyond the Allt na Buaile to the Allt Leacach at NM 7050044700. Refs: OS 1st Ed. 6” Map Sheet lxxi, 1875. OS 1:10,000 Map Sheet NM74SW, 1974. OS Explorer 383 Morvern & Lochaline, 2007. Impact Assessment: The path is close to the site of Intake 4. Mitigation: The path is to be preserved as a feature in the landscape. It must be re- instated if any part is damaged during construction of the intake.

Site 2. Possible Shieling Settlement. NGR NM 70500 44700 Philip Gaskell suggests that shielings were “probably located at NM 705 447” as this is “the destination of an old track from Ardtornish”. (1968, 132) However, no remains of any shieling huts have been identified. Refs: NMRS Ref. NM74SW.8 (Canmore ID 81995) HER Ref. MHG 17842 Gaskell, 1968, 132 Impact Assessment: This site is upstream from the site of Intake 4 on Allt Leacach and is not at risk. Mitigation: No action is required.

Site 3. Tennyson’s Waterfall NGR NM 69890 45710

While clearly a natural feature, this site is included within the gazetteer of archaeological sites, as its historical associations qualify it to be part of the historic environment. A waterfall on the Allt na Samhnachain is a local landmark, visible from afar and a popular walking destination. It is thought to have been the waterfall, visited by Alfred, Lord Tennyson during his stay with the Sellars’ at (Old) Ardtornish House in 1853 and is known locally as Tennyson’s Waterfall. His hostess, Mrs. E.M. Sellar, recorded the event:

“The weather was fine, and the next day we started soon after breakfast for a long walk on the moors, ending at a waterfall that fell over a cliff, hollowed out, under which we were able to creep; and we sat with the water falling before us like a silver veil.

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Mr. Tennyson said it was a great pity we had not brought food with us, and so need not have hurried home; and then, almost immediately, he chanted- “We had smoke, but we hadna wine, And we had nothing whereon to dine; But there was Dennistoun’s daughter 3; And Crosskin 4 sang a song of mine Behind the falling water”. (Sellar, 1907, 53-4)

Refs: Sellar, 1907, 53-4 Impact Assessment: The appearance of the waterfall, a favourite landscape feature for locals and visitors, will be affected by the capture of water from the Allt na Samnachain upstream. Mitigation: It is recommended that the compensatory flow is set at a level, at which the appearance of the waterfall is not overly compromised.

Site 4. Boundary Wall. NGR (SE end within survey area) NM 70451 45374 (NW end at waterfall, Site 3) NM 69908 45719

A boundary wall runs along the Allt na Samhnachain, dividing Achranich Estate to the North from Ardtornish Estate to the South. From the top of Tennyson’s Waterfall, Site 3, the wall follows along the North side of the burn and consists of a battered wall of coursed stone, up to 1m in height and 0.90m in width at the base tapering to 0.50m at the top. There are a few gaps where the wall has been washed away and, upstream from another waterfall, it picks up at NM 70260 45516 on the South side of the burn. The stone wall continues to NM 70273 45514, after which the boundary is marked by low broad earthen bank, 1.50m in width and 0.30m in height. The bank continues across marshy ground, where it has been cut by numerous tracks and is barely distinguishable at NM 70299 45508, where it will be cut by the leat. At NM 70411 45391, the boundary turns sharply to the SE and consists of a slightly more substantial earthen bank. Coursed stone runs between NM 70418 45388 and NM 70442 45380, after which an earthen bank, 1.40m in width and -.40m in height, continues to the SE and beyond the survey area.

(Photo at NM NM 70244 45534, from W) Refs: OS 1st Ed. 6” Map Sheet lxxi, 1875. OS 1:10,000 Map Sheets NM64NE and NM74NW, 1974. OS Explorer 383 Morvern & Lochaline, 2007.

Impact Assessment: This site will be cut by the proposed leat from Intake 4. Mitigation: At the proposed crossing point, the dyke is denuded and barely visible. Keep damage to a minimum.

3 Mrs E.M. Sellar 4 Miss Cross, cousin of Mrs Sellar

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Site 4: Dyke at NM 70399 45410 Site 4: Dyke at NM 70049 45634, Showing composition of wall

Site 5. Head Dyke. NGR (NE end) NM 71114 46656 (SW end) NM 70196 46050 A substantial earth and stone dyke follows a curvilinear route, roughly NE-SW along the gently sloping ground above Aoineadh Achadh Rainich. This is the upper limit of an extensive field system, which is depicted on the Plan of Achranich of 1815 and which is clearly visible on aerial photographs. In 1815, these fields were labelled as Outfield. Several other earth and stone dykes, which are part of the field system, abut the head dyke from the NW. The dyke consists of an earth and stone bank, 1.50m in width and up to 0.90m in height. Occasional boulders and rows of facing stones survive on the SE edge, for example at NM 70922 46633, and it is likely that this side was originally faced with stone for most of its length, to exclude any grazing animals from the fields. The dyke is marked on current OS maps but extends further to the NE (to the Socaich Burn gorge) than depicted. Refs: NMRS Ref. NM 74NW.25 (Canmore ID 345419) (part of) Langlands Plan of Achranich farm, 1815 – depicts extensive field system OS 1:10,000 Map Sheet NM74NW, 1974 – depicts head dyke and others OS Explorer 383 Morvern & Lochaline, 2007 – depicts head dyke and others AP OS 68-105, Frame 47 – is the best depiction of the field system

Site 5: Dyke at NM 71093 46643, from NW Site 5: Dyke at NM 70458 46320, from SW.

Impact Assessment: This dyke is downslope from the proposed leat and accompanying access track and outwith the 100m working corridor of the proposed development. It is not at risk but is recorded here to highlight the presence of this extensive field system. Mitigation: This site is to be avoided.

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Site 6. Arable Field. NGR (W corner) NM 70986 46471 (S corner) NM 71135 46337 (E corner) NM 71207 46384 (N corner) NM 71090 46493 An arable field is situated outwith the head dyke, at the NE end of the field system. It is marked as outfield on the 1815 Plan of Achranich. It is enclosed on the SW and SE sides by an earth and stone dyke, 1.60m in width and up to 0.60m in height. It follows a curvilinear route, occasionally utilising rocky outcrops. At NM 70986 46471, the dyke picks up at the foot of a large rock outcrop and runs southeastwards to NM 71135 46337, where the dyke turns to the NE, following along the NW side of a small unnamed burn. The bank is more denuded here and has been disturbed by vehicle tracks and river erosion. A small fragment of earth and stone dyke encloses the northern corner of this field from 71060 46496 to 71090 46493.

Twelve clearance cairns are found within this field. Ten cairns, Sites 6a – 6j, are in a relatively compact group. Two more, Sites 6k and 6l, are at a distance downhill. At least one cairn, Site 6i, may be the remains of a demolished house. The cairns are summarised in the table below.

Site NGR Description No. 6

a) NM 71097 46415 A single layer of stones visible, oval in plan, 3.80m NW-SE by 2.50m x 0.30m in height.

b) NM 71099 46426 7m NNE of a). A single layer of stones, sub- rectangular in plan, 4.60m N-S by 2.25m x 0.30m in height. c) NM 71106 46425 5m East of b). Stones, now overgrown, have been added to two large natural boulders, sub-rectangular in plan, 3.70m E-W by 2.70m x 0.30m in height. d) NM 71117 46424 8m East of c). Stones, now overgrown, have been added to natural outcrops, sub-rectangular in plan, 2.90m SE-NW by 2.30m x 0.30m in height. e) NM 71093 46442 15m North of b). A larger cairn situated on a slight slope. Stones and boulders are strewn along the slope. 4.90m SE-NW by 5.10m x 0.50m in height, though the total slope measures 1.60m in height. f) NM 71099 46443 3m East of e). Two layers of stone, some overgrown, have been added to existing outcrops, sub- rectangular in plan, 6.10m N-S by 3.50m x 0.40m in height. g) NM 71090 46458 14m North of e). One or two layers of stone, partly overgrown, almost circular in plan, 4.80m E-W by 4.50m x 0.40m in height. h) NM 71111 46454 18m East of g). Large almost rectangular in plan, two layers of stone, overgrown around the margin, 5.90m SE-NW by 4.10m x 0.40m in height. i) NM 71118 46465 11m NNE of h). Oval or round-angled rectangular in plan, this cairn could be a demolished building. The NW end could be the rounded end wall of a structure. 7.10m NNW-SSE by 3.70m x 0.50m in height j) NM 71088 46481 20m North of g). One ot two layers of stones have been strewn along a steep slope. 10.20m NW-SE by

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5.20m x 0.30m in height, though the slope measures 1.80m in height. A prominent cairn of five courses of stone, 0.80m in height has been built on top. k) NM 71148 46484 At a distance from the compact group, a) – j). A single layer of stones is visible, oval in plan, 4.50m N- S by 2.60m x 0.30m in height. l) NM 71141 46470 14m to SW of k). A single layer of stones is visible, irregular in plan, 2.90m N-S by 2.30m x 0.30m in height.

Site 6: Field wall at NM 71057 46373, Site 6: Field wall at NM 71147 46360, from W. from W.

Site 6a: clearance cairn, from SW Site 6g: clearance cairn, from W

Site 6h: clearance cairn, from SE Site 6i: Clearance cairn, possible demolished house, from SSE.

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Refs: NMRS Ref. NM 74NW.25 (Canmore ID 345419) (part of) Langlands Plan of Achranich farm, 1815 – depicts this field at the NE end of an extensive field system Impact Assessment: This field is close to the proposed route for the section of the pipeline, running from the header pond to the pipe junction. Mitigation: The field wall should be marked off on the ground in the section nearest to the pipeline.

Site 7. Possible Structure. NGR NM 71990 45558

A possible structure, 7.50m E-W by 4m and 0.30m in height, is situated on the SW bank of the Socaich Burn. It consists of a bracken and grass-covered mound with some stone around the perimeter, possibly indicative of a wall or bank. A channel around the western end may have been for drainage.

(Photo from W)

Impact Assessment: This possible structure is situated very close to the proposed route of the pipeline from Intake 1. Mitigation: It should be possible to avoid this site; it is below the main bank of the river. If it cannot be avoided, trial trenches will need to be undertaken to establish if this is, indeed, a structure. Excavation will be necessary if it proves to be a manmade structure.

Site 8. Shieling Settlement – Gortanderg NGR (midpoint) NM 71733 45320

“Old Shieliins” are depicted on the 1815 Plan of Achranich, on an area of green pasture labelled Gortanderg, on the SW side of the Socaich Burn. Philip Gaskell, following the 1815 plan, recorded the site at an approximate grid reference of NM 7230 4490, although no remains had been located. (Gaskell, 1968, 140) This is the location entered in the NMRS. However, remains have identified by the writer at a location slightly further downstream. Although these remains are outwith the 100m corridor of the survey area, it is worth noting this site here to highlight its presence. The site consists of green pasture, in which the vegetation cover of herb-rich grass stands out amidst the surrounding molinia grass cover. Within this grassland are remains of at least eleven rudimentary structures, though some are no more than level platforms or possible stances for structures. The nearest structure to the pipe route is at NM 71812 45248, about 200m away.

(Photo of structure at NM 71812 45248, from S)

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Refs: NMRS Ref. NM 74SW.7 (Canmore ID 17841) Langlands Plan of Achranich farm, 1815 Gaskell, 1968, Impact Assessment: This site is outwith the 100m corridor of the pipeline route and should not be at risk. It is recorded here to highlight the presence of this site. Mitigation: This site is to be avoided.

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Appendix A: List of Archaeological Sites – Socaich Burn Hydro Scheme

Site No. Grid Reference Impact Assessment Mitigation

Site 1 NM 70500 44700 – NE end The path is close to the site The path is to be preserved as a feature in the Old Track of Intake 4. landscape. It must be re-instated if any part is damaged during construction of the intake Site 2 NM 70500 44700 This site is upstream from No action is required Possible shieling the site of Intake 4 on Allt settlement Leacach and is not at risk.

Site 3 NM 69890 45710 The appearance of the It is recommended that the compensatory flow Waterfall waterfall, a favourite is set at a level, at which the appearance of the landscape feature for locals waterfall is not overly compromised and visitors, will be affected by the capture of water from the Allt na Samnachain upstream. Site 4 NM 70451 45374 – SE end This site will be cut by the At the proposed crossing point, the dyke is Boundary Wall (within survey area) S side of proposed leat from Intake 4. denuded and barely visible. Keep damage to a burn minimum. NM 70442 45380 NM 70430 45385 NM 70411 45391 NM 70399 45410 NM70341 45495 NM 70299 45508 – leat crossing point NM 70273 45514 – gap for waterfall until NM 70244 45534 – now on North side of burn

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NM 70228 45541 NM 70141 45583 NM 70098 45603 – gap for waterfall until NM 70067 45623 NM 70011 45657 NM 69949 45702 NM 69908 45719 – NW end at waterfall Site 5 NM 71114 46656 – NE end This dyke is downslope from This site is to be avoided Head dyke NM 71093 46643 the proposed leat and NM 71057 46625 accompanying access track NM 71033 46623 and outwith the 100m NM 71004 46627 working corridor of the NM 70987 46631 proposed development. It is NM 70958 46647 not at risk but is recorded NM 70940 46654 here to highlight the NM 70922 46633 presence of this extensive NM 70863 46634 field system. NM 70839 46632 NM 70797 46627 – junction with another dyke NM 70759 46608 NM 70728 46589 NM 70671 46557 NM 70597 46482 NM 70566 46451 NM 70520 46392 – junction with another dyke NM 70501 46372 NM 70482 46350 NM 70475 46352 – junction

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with another dyke NM 70468 46343 NM 70450 46295 NM 70292 46159 NM 70254 46115 NM 70234 46092 NM 70196 46050 – SW end

Site 6 NM 70986 46471 – W corner This field is close to the The field wall should be marked off on the Arable Field NM 71135 46337 – S corner proposed route for the ground in the section nearest to the pipeline. NM 71207 46384 – E corner section of the pipeline, NM 71090 46493 – N corner running from the header Clearance Cairns: pond to the pipe junction. a) NM 71097 46415 b) NM 71099 46426 c) NM 71106 46425 d) NM 71117 46424 e) NM 71093 46442 f) NM 71099 46443 g) NM 71090 46458 h) NM 71111 46454 i) NM 71118 46465 j) NM 71088 46481 k) NM 71148 46484 l) NM 71141 46470 Site 7 NM 71990 45558 This possible structure is It should be possible to avoid this site; it is Possible structure situated very close to the below the main bank of the river. If it cannot be proposed route of the avoided, trial trenches will need to be pipeline from Intake 1. undertaken to establish if this is, indeed, a structure. Excavation will be necessary if it proves to be a manmade structure.

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Site 8 NM 71733 45320 This site is outwith the 100m This site is to be avoided. Shieling Site – corridor of the pipeline route Gortanderg and should not be at risk. It is recorded here to highlight the presence of this site.

J.G.Robertson. Ardtornish. April 2015. 17 Socaich Burn Hydro Scheme

Fig. 3: The Proposed Achranich Hydro Scheme. (Map from Hydroplan UK

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