Strathy South Wind Farm

STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

VOLUME 2 – WRITTEN STATEMENT

JUNE 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction 2 Background 3 Site Selection 4 Development Description 5 Environmental Impact Assessment 6 Site Context 7 Planning Context 8 Landscape 9 Visual Assessment 10 Ecology 11 Birds 12 Noise 13 Cultural Heritage 14 Soil and Water 15 Roads and Traffic 16 Other Issues 17 Summary 1. INTRODUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.1 Overview______1 1.2 Legislative Context ______1 1.3 The Applicant______1 1.4 The Environmental Statement ______2 1.4.1 Development Proposals Considered ______2 1.4.2 Structure ______3 1.4.3 EIA team______4

STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 OVERVIEW Scottish and Southern Energy has identified and evaluated a potential wind farm site at Strathy South forest block (hereafter referred to as Strathy South) near Strathy in Sutherland (Figure 1.1). This Environmental Statement presents the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment process which has informed the project’s planning and design and details the findings of the assessment of the development proposals which form the subject of an application for consent to construct and operate the wind farm. The proposal forms part of Scottish and Southern Energy’s response to the Renewables Obligation, which came into effect in April 2002 and has the objective of providing a market stimulus for increasing the proportion of renewable energy within the UK’s energy mix. The Renewables Obligation, in turn, forms an important component of a wider strategy that aims to combat climate change.

1.2 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT The application to construct and operate the wind farm is being made under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, and will be determined by The Scottish Ministers in consultation with The Highland Council. The application is also subject to the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (the EIA Regulations). The requirements of the EIA Regulations are described in Chapter 5.

1.3 THE APPLICANT Scottish and Southern Energy plc is a FTSE-100 company, formed in 1999 from the merger of Scottish Hydro-Electric plc and Southern Electric plc. The company is headquartered in Perth, and employs around 12, 300 people in the group. Core activities include the generation and supply, and transmission and distribution of electricity. Other activities include gas storage, operation of a telecoms network, supply of gas, retail shops and utility contracting. The company has a market capitalisation of around £11.4 billion, and supplies over 7 million energy customers from Shetland to the Isle of Wight under the Scottish Hydro-Electric, Southern Electric, Swalec and Atlantic supply brands. The Company is co-owner of Scotia Gas Networks, which owns and operates the ‘Scotland’ and ‘South of England’ regional gas distribution networks. The gas network business employs around a further 5,000 staff. The applicant for the current proposal, SSE Generation Limited, owns and operates the power generation assets of the company, which total nearly 10,000MW. The generation portfolio comprises renewables (hydro, wind and biomass) and thermal power stations (gas, coal and oil). Scottish and Southern Energy has an extensive infrastructure in Scotland, including 77 hydro power stations, 98 dams and 78 reservoirs with associated tunnels, pipelines and aqueducts, a 1,520MW gas fired power station at Peterhead, and various diesel power stations on the islands. The electricity transmission and distribution network of overhead lines and underground and submarine cables extends to 124,000km. This network is operated by the regulated Power Systems division of the company, which recently completed a five-year investment programme of £500 million to refurbish the network to improve security of supply.

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Scottish and Southern Energy is the UK’s leading generator and supplier of renewable energy supplying around 40% of the UK total capacity. The majority of this renewable output is from hydro plant. The company was also involved in the early development of wind power in the UK, with experimental turbines at Burghar Hill on the Orkney Islands, and Sussetter Hill on the Shetland Islands. Recent new renewable projects include hydro schemes at Cuileig, near Ullapool, and Kingairloch, west of Fort William; and windfarms at Tangy in Kintyre, Spurness in Orkney, Hadyard Hill in South Ayrshire and Artfield Fell, Dumfries. The Company has invested in emerging renewable energy technology and now has interests in companies developing and promoting tidal energy devices and domestic scale wind turbines and solar energy. SSE is also working with Talisman, a substantial Canadian oil company, on the development of the first deep-water off-shore wind farm located north east of the Beatrice oilfield in the Moray Firth. If successful, this could have an output up to 1,000 MW. The current proposal forms part of the Company’s ongoing renewables investment programme.

1.4 THE ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

1.4.1 Development proposals considered The Environmental Statement considers the key elements of the proposed development (which is described in detail in Chapter 4), including: • wind turbines • foundations • tracks • crane hardstandings • cables • anemometers • control building • borrow pits • any necessary modifications to the public roads • forestry clearance • temporary construction facilities • construction activities • operational activities • decommissioning The windfarm will connect to existing high voltage transmission systems through new transmission connection assets. Consequently National Grid is the lead organisation for the off- site grid connection, and it will submit any applications or request necessary permissions. Hence, although preliminary details of the likely routeing of the grid connection are provided, its environmental effects are not considered as part of this Environmental Statement. The physical process of decommissioning per se has been excluded from the scope of the assessment on the basis that this would be of a similar nature to construction, but on a smaller

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scale and over a shorter time period. However, the results of the decommissioning process (e.g. reinstatement) have been taken into account.

1.4.2 Structure The Environmental Statement comprises four separately bound documents: • Volume 1 - the Non Technical Summary • Volume 2 - the Environmental Statement (Written Statement) • Volume 3 - the Volume of Figures (plans, illustrations and photographs referred to in the Written Statement) • Volume 4 – the Volume of Appendices The remainder of Volume 2, the Written Statement is structured as follows: Chapter 2 outlines the background to the development in terms of renewable energy policy, and explains why wind energy (along with others) has been selected from alternative technologies. Chapter 3 outlines why Strathy North has been selected as one of a number of potential wind farm sites identified during consideration of a wider range of alternative sites. Chapter 4 describes the principal elements involved in the construction, operation and decommissioning of the preferred proposal for Strathy North. It also describes alternative planning and design approaches considered during the development of the specific proposal for Strathy North. Chapter 5 outlines the requirements of the EIA Regulations, and explains the process undertaken in this case. Chapter 6 provides an overview of the existing locational and environmental context of the site Chapter 7 outlines the main planning guidance and policies and plans relevant to the proposed development and site. Chapters 8 to 16 report the assessment of environmental effects under the following headings: • Landscape Character • Visual Impact • Ecology • Birds • Noise • Cultural Heritage • Soil and Water • Roads and Traffic • Other issues: • Air and Climate • Telecommunications and Aviation • Recreation and Tourism • Social and Economic

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• Chapter 17 summarises the findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment

1.4.3 EIA team The Environmental Statement has been compiled by Scottish and Southern Energy with advice and assistance from environmental consultants, ASH design + assessment. The team identified in Table 1.1 undertook specialist assessments.

Table 1.1 The EIA project team

Planning Ash design + assessment Landscape Character Ash design + assessment Visual Impact Ash design + assessment Ecology Ecology UK Ltd Birds Ecology UK Ltd Noise Hayes MacKenzie Ltd Cultural heritage CFA Archaeology Ltd Soil and water Mouchel Parkman Ewan Ltd Roads and traffic Halcrow Group Ltd Air and climate SSE Generation Ltd Telecommunications and aviation SSE Generation Ltd Recreation and tourism Ash design + assessment Social and economic Ash design + assessment

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13 CULTURAL HERITAGE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

13.1 Introduction______2 13.2 Scope of Assessment ______3 13.2.2 Forestry Changes ______3 13.2.3 Study area______3 13.2.4 Scoping and consultation ______4 13.2.5 Effects to be assessed______5 13.2.6 Effects scoped out of assessment ______6 13.3 Policy Context ______6 13.3.1 General______6 (a) Scottish Planning Policy 6 – Renewable Energy Developments (SPP6)______6 (b) Scottish Planning Policy 1 – The Planning System (SPP1)______6 (c) Scottish Historic Environment Policy 1 (SHEP1) ______6 13.3.2 Legislation and National Planning Policy Guidance ______7 (a) Scheduled Ancient Monuments and other archaeological features ______7 (b) Listed Buildings______7 (c) Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes ______7 13.3.3 Regional and Local Planning Policy Guidance ______8 (a) Structure Plan______8 (b) Local Plan ______8 13.3.4 Summary ______9 13.4 methodology______9 13.4.1 Overview ______9 13.4.2 Baseline assessment ______10 (a) Desk-based assessment ______10 (b) Field survey techniques ______10 (c) Identification of external receptors ______11 13.4.3 Effects evaluation______12 (a) Effect classification ______12 (b) Receptor importance ______13 (c) Impact magnitude______14 (d) Effects significance ______14 13.4.4 Limitations of assessment ______15 13.5 Baseline Conditions______15 13.5.1 Context______15 13.5.2 Designations______15 13.5.3 Proposed Wind Farm Area______16 13.5.4 Access Route Corridor______17 (a) Pre-Clearance settlement and land use______17 (b) Post-Clearance settlement and land-use______18 (c) Importance of Sites ______19 (d) Archaeological potential ______19 13.5.5 External receptors ______20 13.5.6 Modifying influences ______20 13.6 Effects evaluation ______21 13.6.1 Basis of assessment ______21 (a) Development characteristics ______21 (b) Assumed design, management and mitigation measures ______21 13.6.2 Effects on sites within the application area ______21

(a) Direct effects ______23 (b) Indirect effects ______24 (c) Uncertain effects ______24 13.6.3 Mitigation measures______24 (a) Residual effects ______26 13.6.4 Effects on key external receptors______27 (a) Dalmor, homestead 300m W of [receptor no. E1] ______27 (b) Fiscary cairns and chambered cairn north-east of [receptor no. E4] ______27 (c) Skelpick Lodge chambered cairn 400m ENE of [receptor no. E5] ______28 (d) Ben Griam Beg, fort, Forsinard [receptor no. E6] ______28 (e) The Borg, broch 1600m N of Forsinain Bridge, Strath Halladale [receptor no. E7] ______28 (f) Lochan Druim an Duin, broch 320m E of [receptor no. E9] ______29 (g) Strathy Free Church [receptor no. E14]______29 (h) Strathy Former Free Church Manse [receptor no. E15]______29 (i) Conclusion ______29 13.7 Summary ______29 13.8 References ______30 13.8.1 Aerial photographs______30 13.8.2 Historic maps ______30 13.8.3 Bibliography ______31

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13 CULTURAL HERITAGE

13.1 INTRODUCTION This section considers the likely effects on cultural heritage interests of the construction and operation of a proposed wind farm at Strathy South, near Strathy, Sutherland (NGR: NC 780 510 centred). The proposed development lies within the area administered by The Highland Council (THC). The study has been undertaken by CFA Archaeology Ltd (CFA) and has been informed by scoping responses and information provided by Historic Scotland and by THC’s Archaeology Unit. Cultural heritage resources include: • World Heritage Sites; • Scheduled Ancient Monuments and other archaeological features; • Listed Buildings and other buildings of historic or architectural importance; • Conservation Areas and other significant townscapes; and • Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes and other significant historic landscapes. These resources are key components of the historic environment. The consultation draft of the Scottish Historic Environment Policy 1 states that “our environment, whether rural or urban, on land or underwater, has a historical dimension that contributes to its quality and character. This is most obvious in our tangible built heritage of all periods: ancient monuments; archaeological sites and landscapes; historic buildings; townscapes; parks; gardens and designed landscapes; and our marine heritage. The historic environment encompasses the context or setting in which these features site, and the patterns of past use in landscapes and within the soil, and in our towns, villages and streets. It also has less tangible aspects recognised as the historical, artistic, literary, linguistic and scenic associations of places and landscapes. These various elements contribute fundamentally to a sense of place and cultural identity”. The scope of this topic overlaps with the landscape and visual assessment (Chapters 8 and 9), particularly in the consideration of the settings of Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs), Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes. It should be noted however that the emphasis of the cultural heritage and landscape and visual assessments is not necessarily the same and the assessment findings as regards particular receptors may vary. The specific objectives of the cultural heritage study were to: • identify the cultural heritage baseline within the application area as well as key receptors within the surrounding landscape; • consider the proposed development area in terms of its archaeological and historic environment potential; • assess the potential and predicted effects of the construction and operation of the proposed development on the cultural heritage resource; • propose measures, where appropriate, to mitigate any predicted adverse effects. Figure 13.1 depicts the proposed development area and the locations of archaeological sites and monuments identified by the study within the wind farm application area. Figure 13.2 depicts the proposed access route, together with the locations of archaeological sites and monuments identified by the study within the application area. Figure 13.3 shows the proposed wind farm in

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its landscape context together with the locations of key receptors in the surrounding landscape that are predicted to have views of one or more turbine. A gazetteer of identified sites within the study area is included as Appendix 13.1 and 13.2, and a table of key external receptors in Appendix 13.3. Appendix 13.4 provides details on sites identified as part of the Strathnaver Trail that are located within the 15km of the nearest proposed turbine location. Table 13.1 List of abbreviations used in the text. Abbreviation Definition EIA Environmental Impact Assessment HGDL Historic Garden and Designed Landscape NLS National Library of Scotland NMRS National Monuments Record of Scotland NSR Non-Statutory Register OS Ordnance Survey RCAHMS The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland SAM Scheduled Ancient Monument SMR Sites and Monuments Record THC The Highland Council ZTV Zone of Theoretical Visibility

13.2 SCOPE OF ASSESSMENT

13.2.1 Project interactions Any ground-breaking activities associated with the construction of proposed development features (turbines, access tracks, cable routes, compounds, etc) have the potential to disturb or destroy features of cultural heritage interest. The creation and extension of borrow pits to extract building materials could have similar direct and adverse effects. In addition, other construction activities, such as vehicle movements, soil and overburden storage and landscaping, also have the potential to cause adverse effects on the cultural heritage resource. The presence of development features may also have indirect effects on the setting of sites of cultural heritage interest within the application area and within the surrounding landscape. Given their height wind turbines, and to a lesser extent anemometer masts, have the potential to cause indirect visual effects over a wider area. In particular, there is potential for the development to be present in views of and from SAMs, Listed Buildings and other cultural heritage sites and areas. This may affect their settings.

13.2.2 Forestry Changes A large proportion of the forestry within which the application area is sited is proposed for felling as part of the construction of the proposed wind farm. Tree felling has the potential to cause direct and adverse effects upon any sites preserved within the forest, due to heavy plant movement around the cleared areas. Deforestation can also have beneficial effects, allowing sites that had been removed from their wider setting by being enclosed by trees, to regain, at least partially, their pre-forest landscape setting.

13.2.3 Study area The proposed wind farm would occupy a distinctive U-shaped area of predominantly dense conifer plantation to either side of the River Strathy, c.12km south of Strathy village and in the

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upper reaches of the glen. The undulating ground varies in altitude between 130m and 200m above sea level. The land surrounding the proposed development area is predominantly blanket bog interspersed with lochs and lochans. The proposed access route follows the line of an existing track to the east of the Strathy River and passes through Strathy North forest before heading across the bog from the south-west corner of Strathy North to the north-west corner of Strathy South. New sections of track are proposed across areas of peat bog to the north of the Strathy North forest and between the two forests; and a new river crossing is proposed over the River Strathy at Dallangwell. The extent of the proposed development area is shown on Figure 13.1 and 13.2. Designated sites (SAMs, Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) within 15km of the proposed wind farm have been considered by the assessment, in relation to the ZTV. Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes within 30km have been assessed.

13.2.4 Scoping and consultation An Environmental Scoping Report was produced in March 2004 and sent for comment to a range of statutory and non-statutory consultees. Responses received from The Scottish Executive, Historic Scotland and The Highland Council contained comments relevant to cultural heritage. During the EIA further consultations and requests for information were issued to Historic Scotland and THC’s Archaeology Unit. Key issues arising from these consultations, and resulting actions, are summarised in Table 13.2. Table 13.2. Summary of scoping and other EIA consultation responses, with resulting actions Consultee Consultee comment Action Historic Scoping Report does not present the basis for a Taken into account in EIA Scotland, comprehensive assessment of proposed development’s methodology (Section 16/02/05 effects on the built heritage of the area. 13.4). Historic Environmental Statement needs to include assessment Taken into account in EIA Scotland, of significant effects on Listed Buildings, HGDLs, methodology (Section 16/02/05 Conservation Areas, unscheduled archaeological 13.4). remains and SAMs, and needs to evaluate the potential for the area to contain presently unknown archaeological remains. Historic Need for assessment of effects to refer to policy Taken into account in EIA Scotland, guidelines, including those providing guidance on methodology (Section 16/02/05 relative importance of cultural heritage features. 13.4). Historic An initial search area of the same extent as the ZTV Taken into account in EIA Scotland, should be used to identify significant visual effects on methodology (Section 16/02/05 built heritage sites. Significant impacts may be 13.4). anticipated outside the proposed development area. Historic Significant cumulative effects on the settings of built Cumulative effects are Scotland, heritage sites should be assessed, as the proposed considered in detail in the 16/02/05 development is located in an area where further wind Landscape and Visual farm developments are proposed. Chapters (Chapters 8 and 9). THC Recommended an approach to EIA, stating assessment Taken into account in EIA 16/09/04 objectives, baseline data sources to be consulted, and methodology (Section requirement for field survey. 13.4).

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Consultee Consultee comment Action THC Specification for baseline assessment to be agreed with Achieved through further 16/09/04 THC’s Archaeology Unit. consultation letter sent 16/02/05 and THC response 25/02/05

THC Assessment should include consideration of cultural Taken into account in EIA 16/09/04 heritage potential of the area. methodology (Section 13.4). THC Assessment should include assessing visual impact of Taken into account in EIA 16/09/04 turbines on archaeological sites and landscapes outside methodology (Section the proposed development area. 13.4). Scottish Summarises the points raised by THC. Taken into account in EIA Executive methodology (Section 22/12/04 13.4). Archaeology Supplied a Brief for baseline assessment Taken into account in EIA Unit, THC methodology (Section 28/02/05 13.4). Archaeology Supplied digital data from SMR, but stated that visited SMR visited 15/03/05 and Unit, THC to SMR to search other information sources was also 06/02/06. 28/02/05 required. Archaeology Suggested consultation with North of Scotland Several NoSAS members Unit, THC Archaeology Society. were consulted but no 28/02/05 members active within the area could be found.

13.2.5 Effects to be assessed The potential significant effects identified in scoping and which form the basis of this assessment are: • Potential construction effects; • Potential ongoing and operational effects; • Potential secondary effects.

Table 13.3. Effects to be assessed. Effect Impact Notes Potential effects on receptors Construction Damage, physical Impact would be permanent, Loss of, damage to or disturbance or burial of but extent and scale of severance of cultural cultural heritage sites. change require assessment. heritage sites. On-going Presence of turbines in Impact would be long-term Effects on the setting of and cultural heritage and continuous, but cultural heritage sites. Operational landscape. reversible and localised. Secondary Changes in cultural Impact would be long-term Effects on the setting of heritage may affect and continuous, but cultural heritage sites. tourism. reversible and localised.

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13.2.6 Effects scoped out of assessment Effects arising from the process of decommissioning have been scoped out since they are of a similar nature to construction issues, but of a smaller scale and shorter duration. However the results of decommissioning (i.e. the removal of the wind farm) are taken into account in assessing ongoing and operational effects where appropriate. There are no Cultural World Heritage Sites or Conservation Areas within the proposed development area or within 30km of its centre, and these designations are not considered further in this chapter.

13.3 POLICY CONTEXT

13.3.1 General

(a) Scottish Planning Policy 6 – Renewable Energy Developments (SPP6) SPP6 provides policy on nationally important landuse and other planning matters. The aim of SPP6 is to ensure that the commitment to renewable energy is satisfied and supported through development plan policies and development control decisions unless there are serious adverse impacts that cannot be mitigated. This includes impacts on the character or appearance of designated built and cultural heritage sites, areas or features (Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas, World Heritage Sites, and sites listed in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes) and their settings.

(b) Scottish Planning Policy 1 – The Planning System (SPP1) SPP1 provides an overview of the land use planning system in Scotland under current arrangements. It states that planning should encourage sustainable development by, among other considerations, conserving important historic and cultural assets. In regard to Local Plans, SPP1 states that they should contain policies relating to the conservation of the built, natural and cultural heritage.

(c) Scottish Historic Environment Policy 1 (SHEP1) The consultation draft of the document sets out the Scottish Ministers’ vision and policies for the historic environment. It states that the protection of the historic environment is not about preventing change. The historic environment, like the rest of our landscape, is dynamic and its protection and conservation is about ensuring that change is managed intelligently, producing the best outcome for the asset being managed and for the people of Scotland, whose heritage it is. The three key outcomes of this policy are to ensure that: • the historic environment is cared for, protected and enhanced for the benefit of our own and future generations; • there is increased public appreciation and enjoyment of the historic environment amongst all the people of Scotland and visitors to the country; and • the historic environment’s importance as a key asset in Scotland’s economic, social and cultural success is recognised and skilfully harnessed.

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13.3.2 Legislation and National Planning Policy Guidance

(a) Scheduled Ancient Monuments and other archaeological features Under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (hereafter, 1979 Act) the Scottish Ministers are required to compile and maintain a Schedule of monuments considered to be of national importance. The statutory consent of the Scottish Ministers is required before any works are carried out which would have the effect of demolishing, destroying, damaging, removing, repairing, altering, adding to, flooding or covering up a Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM). Effects of proposed development works upon the setting of a SAM form an important consideration in the granting or refusal of planning consent to conduct development works. Further information on development control procedures relating to SAMs is provided in National Planning Policy Guideline 5, Archaeology and Planning (NPPG 5), and Planning Advice Note 42, Archaeology (PAN 42). Archaeological sites and monuments without statutory protection are curated by the local planning authority. NPPG 5 and PAN 42 provide national planning policy guidance and advice on the treatment of this resource. PAN 42 indicates that the principle that should underlie all planning decision-making is preservation of cultural resources, in situ where possible, and by record if destruction cannot be avoided. It is recognised in the document that preservation may not always be possible, and where damage is unavoidable various mitigation measures may be proposed. NPPG 5, paragraph 16, states that not all archaeological remains are of equal importance. Paragraph 17 states that it is particularly important that SAMs are preserved in situ and within an appropriate setting, and that developments which would have an adverse effect upon a SAM or the integrity of its setting should not be permitted unless there are exceptional circumstances.

(b) Listed Buildings Under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 (hereafter, 1997 Act), the Scottish Ministers are required to compile a list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest. Such buildings are classified into Categories A, B and C(s), in decreasing order of importance. Sustainable development is the principle underlying Government policy towards the historic environment. Planning authorities and the Scottish Ministers are required to have special regard for the desirability of preserving listed buildings or their settings and any features of special architectural or historic importance they possess. The term ‘setting’ has no definition in the Act, although the Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas 1998 (Memorandum; published by Historic Scotland) advises planning authorities to interpret the term broadly. The Memorandum states that a Listed Building should at all times remain the focus of its setting, and that attention should not be distracted from it by the presence of any new development. Government policy and guidance is also stated in National Planning Policy Guideline 18, Planning and the Historic Environment (NPPG 18). That document stresses that sustainable development is the principle underlying Government policy towards the historic environment, securing preservation of the historic environment whilst accommodating and remaining responsive to present day needs.

(c) Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes The effect of a proposed development on a designated Historic Garden or Designed Landscape listed in An Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland (Inventory; published by Historic Scotland & Scottish Natural Heritage and predecessor bodies) is a material consideration in the determination of a planning application, although the designation is non-statutory in effect. Under the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure)

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(Scotland) Order 1992 (1992 Order), planning authorities must consult Historic Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage on any proposed development that may affect a site contained in the Inventory. Further details are published in NPPG 18 and the Memorandum. The consultation draft of the Scotland’s Historic Environment Policy 3 – Gardens and Designed Landscapes sets out the Scottish Ministers’ policies for gardens and designed landscapes in respect of their identification and protection, the management of change and how Historic Scotland will implement these policies, and includes a proposal for the statutory protection of sites included in the Inventory.

13.3.3 Regional and Local Planning Policy Guidance

(a) Structure Plan The Highland Structure Plan Written Statement March 2001 (Structure Plan) establishes the Council’s strategic framework for land use and sustainable development. The Structure Plan notes that Highland’s towns and villages, including their historic and modern buildings, are an integral part of the region’s heritage, and that Highland contains extensive archaeological remains of national and local importance. It states that it is important that new development is sympathetic to existing patterns of development and that opportunities are taken to preserve and promote the built heritage. Strategic Policy G2 states that proposed developments will be assessed by THC on the extent to which they impact upon the cultural heritage and demonstrate sensitive siting and high quality design in keeping with, amongst other considerations, the historic environment. Policy BC1 states that archaeological sites affected by development proposals should be preserved, or in exceptional cases where preservation is impossible, the sites will be recorded at the developer’s expense to professional standards. Policy BC3 requires that Local Plans identify and zone areas of exceptional archaeological and historic interest, and make appropriate provision for the protection and interpretation of features of interest. Strathnaver is identified as one of several locations suggested as suitable for zonation as an Archaeological Heritage Area. Policy BC4 seeks to preserve HGDLs identified in the Inventory. Policy BC5 seeks to preserve Highland’s buildings and groups of buildings of historic or architectural interest.

(b) Local Plan The proposed development lies within the area covered by the Tongue and Farr Local Plan October 1995 (Local Plan). That document states the Council’s strategic objective of ensuring sustainable usage of the area’s resources by seeking an acceptable balance between economic development, the safeguarding of the natural and cultural heritage and the long-term well being of the community. The Local Plan (section 1.60) presumes against development that would adversely affect the character and setting of Listed Buildings. Section 1.61 states that SAMs and other recorded sites and areas of archaeological significance, and their settings, will be protected from development. Section 1.62 states that where preservation of archaeological sites is not feasible, provision will be made for excavation and recording prior to development commencing.

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13.3.4 Summary The relevant planning policies and other documents are listed in Table 13.4. Table 13.4. Planning policies and other relevant documents Reference Title NPPG5 National Planning Policy Guideline 5, Archaeology and Planning NPPG6 National Planning Policy Guideline 6, Renewable Energy Developments NPPG18 National Planning Policy Guideline 18, Planning and the Historic Environment SPP1 Scottish Planning Policy 1, The Planning System PAN42 Planning Advice Note 42, Archaeology 1979 Act Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 1997 Act Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 SHEP1 Scotland’s Historic Environment Policy 1 (consultation draft) SHEP3 Scotland’s Historic Environment Policy 3 – Gardens and Designed Landscapes (consultation draft) Memorandum Memorandum of Guidance on Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas 1998 Inventory An Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland 1992 Order Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) (Scotland) Order 1992 Structure Plan The Highland Structure Plan Written Statement March 2001, Policies G2, BC1-5 Local Plan Tongue and Farr Local Plan October 1995, Sections 1.60-1.62

13.4 METHODOLOGY

13.4.1 Overview The approach to this assessment has incorporated the following iterative stages: baseline survey and sensitivity assessment; development layout design incorporating avoidance mitigation; impact prediction; effects evaluation, impact offset or reduction mitigation proposals where required. This assessment was conducted in accordance with the Institute of Field Archaeologists Code of Conduct and appropriate Standards. Recording and assessment were conducted according to established CFA Archaeology Ltd methods. A list of all sources consulted during the assessment is provided in Section 13.8. A request for information on cultural heritage resources relevant to the assessment was sent to Historic Scotland and a written consultation letter was sent to THC’s Archaeology Unit. The consultation letter sent to the Archaeology Unit included a proposed Methods Statement for the cultural heritage assessment. The Archaeology Unit included a Brief in its response, and the methods statement detailed below takes into account the contents of that document.

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13.4.2 Baseline assessment

(a) Desk-based assessment Up-to-date information was obtained on the locations of cultural heritage sites with statutory protection and non-statutory designations inside the proposed wind farm site boundary and within the ZTV radius. Historic Scotland provided digital data on SAMs, Listed Buildings and HGDLs within 30km of the centre of the proposed wind farm development area. The Local Plan was consulted to identify the locations of any Conservation Areas inside the proposed development area and within the ZTV radius. Information on known archaeological sites and monuments within the application area of the proposed wind farm and access route was obtained from the NMRS and from THC’s SMR. The Highland Council also supplied details of archaeological sites and monuments present within a 500m wide band around the proposed wind farm. The SMR offices were visited on 15 March 2005 and 6 February 2006 for the purposes of identifying additional sources of information relevant to the assessment. First and second edition OS maps and other early maps held by the NLS Map Library were examined, to provide information on sites of potential archaeological significance and on historic land-use development. The National Archives of Scotland map collection database was searched for any archive maps pertaining to the assessment area, but nothing of relevance came to light. The Highland Council Archive was contacted to source any additional relevant material held by that organisation, but nothing of relevance was located. The NLS online catalogue of the Sutherland Papers maps and manuscripts collection was examined, but that search revealed nothing of specific relevance to the proposed wind farm development. An assessment was made of vertical aerial photograph collections held by RCAHMS. Sorties dating from between 1946 and 1988 were available for examination. The Scottish Palaeoenvironmental Database (http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/spad/) was consulted to determine if any palaeoenvironmental studies had been undertaken within or close to the study area. Bibliographic references were consulted to provide background and historical information. Historical parish accounts were examined. Information was sought at the NMRS library and University of Edinburgh library. No attempt was made within the remit of this study to conduct detailed historical analysis.

(b) Field survey techniques A reconnaissance field survey was undertaken within the accessible parts of the proposed development area shown on Figure 13.1, and within a 40m corridor centred on the proposed access route along the existing track and within a 100m corridor centred on any new track shown on Figure 13.2. This fieldwork was conducted in order to: • assess the presence/absence, character and condition of the sites, monuments and landscape features identified by the desk-based assessment; • identify any further features of cultural heritage interest not detected from the desk-based assessment. • assess the topography and geomorphology of the proposed development area for its potential to contain buried remains of other archaeological sites and features. Fieldwork took place in March 2005, February 2006 and February 2007 in variable weather conditions. Most of the proposed wind farm area supports dense and impenetrable conifer

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plantations, which severely restricted the extent to which field survey could be carried out. Unplanted areas, principally along burns and within clearings and rides, were surveyed wherever accessible and sites identified through desk studies within the forested areas were visited to assess their current condition. The very southern end of the proposed development area, around Lochstrathy, was not accessed during the initial field survey (March 2005) as the River Strathy was in spate and it could not be forded to the north-east of Lochstrathy even in a 4x4 vehicle. This site was again visited at the time of the access road field survey in February 2007. At that time it was covered in snow and only a limited survey was possible of the visible upstanding elements of the site, therefore remains with low surface relief may not have been identified. Site locations were recorded using a GS50 differential GPS system. The grid references thus provided have sub-metre accuracy. All sites within the application area were appraised as to their importance based upon observed field characteristics, current condition (where possible) and cultural significance.

(c) Identification of external receptors The settings of sites with statutory and non-statutory designations (e.g. SAMs, Listed Buildings, Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes and Conservation Areas) are protected under national legislation (1979 Act, 1997 Act, 1992 Order) and by government guidance (Memorandum). Additionally, local planning policy is set out in the relevant Local Plans. As stated in Section 13.3 above the principal that underlies planning decision making is that protected sites should be preserved within an appropriate setting. Given their heights, turbines and meteorological masts may be visible over a wide area thereby potentially affecting the wider landscape settings of cultural heritage sites and monuments. Planning Advice Note 45 (PAN 45; Revised 2002): Renewable Energy Technologies notes that: Visual effect will be dependent on the distance over which a wind farm may be viewed. It is also dependant on whether the turbines can be viewed adjacent to other features, their visibility in different weather conditions, the character of the development and the landscape it sits within, and the nature of the visibility. Figure 8 in PAN 45 provides an assessment of the general perception of a wind farm in an open landscape as follows: • at distances greater than 15km a wind farm will generally only be seen in very clear visibility as a minor element in the landscape; • between 5-15km it will only be prominent in clear visibility – seen as part of the wider landscape; • between 2-5km it will be relatively prominent; and • at distances of less than 2 km it is likely to be prominent. Taking account of these factors and the effects scoped out as described in section 13.2, sites with statutory protection in the wider landscape have been assessed within the following maximum radii: • 0-15km - Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Category A, B and C(s) Listed Buildings, and Conservation Areas. • 0-30km - Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes. Appendix 13.3 lists those external receptors that would have partial or full views of the wind turbines as constructed according to the ZTV, within the search areas defined above. It is

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recognised, however, that the ZTV model is a coarse predictive tool, based as it is on bare-earth surface topography and maximum blade tip heights, and takes no account of obstructions to intervisibility caused by existing forestry and other vegetation; or by buildings or other man-made features. The effects identified by this assessment, based upon the ZTV, should therefore be treated as a maximum and it is possible that in practice the effects would be lesser than those predicted. The locations of those receptors predicted by the ZTV map to be inter-visible with at least one turbine are shown on Figure 13.3. Several of these external receptors were ruled out by wireframe visualisations which indicated that they would not, in reality, be intervisible with any of the proposed wind farm turbines. There are many more cultural heritage features with statutory protection present within the defined study areas, but they are not assessed as the ZTV indicates that they would not be intervisible with the proposed wind turbines. Key cultural heritage receptors outside the proposed development area were visited, or approached as closely as was possible taking into account access considerations (with the exception of Ben Griam Beg fort (E6)), where the ZTV model predicted intervisibility between receptor and wind turbines, in order to assess the effect of the proposed development on the setting of each receptor. The forested nature of the proposed development area meant that generally it was not possible to view external receptors from within the site at normal ground level. The Strathnaver Trail is a heritage trail which runs along Strathnaver from Loch Naver in the south to Bettyhill in the north (THC 2003). It consists of several heritage sites, within easy access from the road, dating from the prehistoric period up to the 20th century. Several heritage sites associated with this trail and located within 15km of the proposed wind farm development area were visited to assess the effect of the proposed development on the setting of the site and potential secondary impacts of the proposed wind farm on promoted heritage tourism. A summary of the sites assessed is provided in Appendix 13.4.

13.4.3 Effects evaluation

(a) Effect classification The type of effects of the proposed development on cultural heritage interests are assessed in the following categories: • Direct: where there would be a physical effect on a site caused by the proposed development. Direct effects may be caused by a range of activities associated with the construction of proposed development features. Construction activities may include ground-disturbing excavations for turbine foundations, cable trenches, access roads and borrow pits. In addition, above ground disturbance, such as that caused by vehicle movement, and soil and overburden storage, may produce irreversible effects upon archaeological features. Direct effects on cultural heritage features are normally adverse, permanent and irreversible. • Indirect: where the setting of a site may be affected. Indirect effects may relate to new development reducing views to or from cultural heritage features with important landscape settings, may result from increased noise or vibration, or may cause increased fragmentation of the historic landscape and the loss of connection between its component parts. Such effects are likely to occur during the construction phase of the development and persist throughout the operational phase. • Secondary impacts: impacts that arise as a result of an initial impact of the scheme e.g. changes to the setting affecting tourism as regards heritage sites.

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• Uncertain: where there is a risk that the works may impinge on a site, for example where it is not clear where the location or boundaries of a site lie, or where the baseline condition of a site cannot be established satisfactorily. This can occur where a site is recorded as a documentary reference but there is no physical manifestation of the site above ground, or where a documentary source is imprecise as to the location of a site (e.g. where recorded only on maps pre-dating the Ordnance Survey 1st Edition). Potential effects, direct and indirect, have been assessed in terms of their longevity (permanent / temporary (long or short term)), reversibility and nature (beneficial / neutral / adverse), which allowed the magnitude of effect to be predicted for each receptor. • Beneficial effects are those that contribute to the value of a cultural heritage site through enhancement of desirable characteristics or the introduction of new, positive attributes. In terms of cultural heritage, beneficial effects include those that add to an appreciation of the cultural heritage site and/or its setting. • Neutral effects occur where the development can be accommodated comfortably by the receiving environment while neither contributing to nor detracting from the value of the cultural heritage site. In terms of cultural heritage, neutral effects arise from the fact that in general wind farms are permeable developments that do not significantly disrupt an appreciation of the landscape and skylines, particularly with regard to the views from cultural heritage sites that lie at some remove from the proposed development. All neutral effects are considered to be not significant. • Adverse effects are those that detract from the value of a receptor through a reduction in, or disruption of, valuable characterising components or patterns, or the introduction of new inappropriate characteristics. In terms of cultural heritage, adverse effects include those that detract from an appreciation of a cultural heritage site and/or its setting, or compromise important views to or from the site.

(b) Receptor importance The importance of cultural heritage resources is assessed principally according to the criteria published in NPPG5, NPPG18 and the Memorandum. The main thresholds of archaeological importance defined in NPPG5 are National Importance, Regional and Local Importance, and Lesser Importance. Sites of National Importance comprise those sites protected by scheduling under the 1979 Act, and sites of schedulable quality. Scheduling is an ongoing process and not all sites of schedulable quality are currently scheduled (see section 13.3 above). THC’s SMR contains a Non-Statutory Register (NSR) of archaeological sites and monuments, some of which are considered to be of National Importance but which are not protected by scheduling. Sites with NSR codes C or V are unscheduled sites considered to almost certainly or very probably of national importance. However, only a proportion of THC’s SMR has been classified by the NSR criteria and the NSR is therefore of limited use. Sites of Regional and Local Importance are those that do not merit scheduling, but which have significance within a regional or local context. This may, for example, apply to their importance to regional or local history, or they may be the only local example of a monument type. Sites of Lesser Importance may comprise component parts of a landscape rich in archaeological monuments, and thereby gain greater significance. The Memorandum states that Category A Listed Buildings are of national or international importance, Category B buildings are of regional or more than local importance, and Category C(s) structures are of local importance. Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes contained within the Inventory are considered to be nationally important. Table 13.5 summarises the relative importance of key cultural heritage resources relevant to this assessment.

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Table 13.5. Definitions of importance of cultural heritage resources Importance Site types International/National Scheduled Ancient Monuments Sites of schedulable quality / Non-Statutory Register sites categories C and V Category A listed buildings Inventory status Historic Gardens & Designed Landscapes Outstanding Conservation Areas Regional Archaeological sites and areas of distinctive regional importance Category B listed buildings Local Archaeological sites and areas of local importance Category C(s) listed buildings Conservation Areas Lesser Other archaeological sites Find spots Unlisted buildings of some historic or architectural interest

(c) Impact magnitude Magnitudes of impact are assessed in the categories high, medium, low and imperceptible, and are described in Table 13.6. Table 13.6. Definitions of magnitude of impact Level of magnitude Definition High Major impacts fundamentally changing the baseline condition of the receptor, leading to total or major alteration of character or setting. Medium Moderate impacts changing the baseline condition of the receptor materially but not fundamentally, leading to partial alteration of character or setting. Low Minor detectable impacts which do not alter the baseline condition of the receptor materially. Imperceptible A very slight and barely distinguishable change from baseline conditions, approximating to the “no change” situation.

(d) Effects significance Table 13.7 combines these criteria to provide an assessment of whether or not an effect is considered to be significant as required by Schedule 4 of the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 and the Environmental Impact Assessment (Scotland) Regulations 1999. Table 13.7. Matrix for assessing significance of effects. Shaded boxes are significant effects. Magnitude▼ Significance of Effect High Minor Moderate Major Major Medium Negligible Minor Moderate Major Low Negligible Negligible Minor Moderate Imperceptible Negligible Negligible Negligible Minor Importance ► Lesser Local Regional National

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13.4.4 Limitations of assessment The field survey was limited by the forestry and by weather conditions during the field visits, as described in the baseline assessment methodology section above. The proposed development area is extensively covered in blanket bog. This type of environment has the potential to conceal archaeological features, as the accumulation of peat can rapidly cover sites, which may be preserved within or below the peat formations.

13.5 BASELINE CONDITIONS

13.5.1 Context This section considers the known cultural heritage resource within the proposed wind farm area and along the proposed access route. It also identifies key receptors in the surrounding landscape. Numbers in bold in the following text refer to site numbers annotated on Figures 13.1-13.3 and detailed in Appendix 13.1-13.3. Nine archaeological sites have been identified within the proposed wind farm area (Figure 13.1). They comprise a shieling (1), three mileposts (2, 6, 8), two buildings probably related to hunting (3, 5), two sheepfolds (4, 7), and farmstead / hunting lodge at Lochstrathy (9). Thirty-five archaeological sites have been identified within the proposed access route corridor (Figure 13.2). They comprise two farmsteads (A1, A33), field clearance (A2), seven tracks (A3, A5, A8, A10, A15, A16, A31), areas of peat cutting (A4), a structure (A6), a well (A7), several enclosures (A9, A30, A34), five field boundaries (A11, A13, A14, A22, A35), a pre-Clearance township (A12), three mileposts (A17, A23, A28), areas of cultivation (A18), several buildings (A19, A20, A27), numerous quarries (A21, A32), a bridge (A24), small cairns (A25), a clearance heap (A26), and a group of hut circles (A29). The Scottish Palaeoenvironmental Database (http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/spad/) contains records of three previous palaeoenvironmental studies in the vicinity of the proposed wind farm area, and details of other studies have been identified from other sources (Tipping 1994). Bibliographic sources provided no specific information on archaeological sites and monuments within the proposed development area. However, they provided general historical information on broad-scale land-use changes over the last 200 years that allow the context of the identified archaeological sites and monuments to be appreciated. Reconnaissance field survey led to the identification of further sites of cultural heritage significance and confirmed that elements of the others survive as field monuments.

13.5.2 Designations There are no cultural heritage sites with statutory protection within the proposed development area. Uidh ban con Luatha hut circles and small cairns (A29) is classified in THC’s Non-Statutory Register (NSR) of archaeological sites as being ‘almost certainly of regional importance but not likely to be of national importance’ (code R). The buildings at Dail Teine (A20) and small cairns at Bowside (A25) are also found on the Non-Statutory Register and are recorded there as ‘not considered to be of national importance’ (code N). There are 135 SAMs (several with multiple components), 71 Listed Buildings (6 Category A, 41 Category B, 24 Category C(s)), and two Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes within 30km

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of the centre of the proposed development area. Based upon analysis of the locations of these sites against the ZTV, elements of the proposed development would be intervisible with 12 SAMs and 5 Listed Buildings (one Category B, four Category C(s)).

13.5.3 Proposed Wind Farm Area The NMRS and SMR contain records of one archaeological site recorded within the proposed development area (1). All sites (1-9) are recorded on the Ordnance Survey first and/or second edition map coverage of the area. Other early map sources, most characterised by poor cartographic detail, provided little useful information, although one source recorded the presence of the settlement at Lochstrathy (9). No sites were newly identified through examination of the available vertical aerial photographic coverage, although the changing condition of the buildings at Lochstrathy (9) was documented. The features likely to be of greatest antiquity identified within the proposed development area comprise what appears to be a shieling near Loch nan Clach (1) and the former settlement at Lochstrathy (9). The putative shieling (1) is depicted on the OS first edition map (1878) as a small, unroofed square structure located on the north side of the burn issuing from Loch nan Clach. The denuded remains of a rectangular turf-walled structure survive on a low knoll, measuring c. 6m by 4m with walls standing up to 0.5m high. Lochstrathy (9) is likely to have been established after the mid 18th century, as it is not recorded on Roy’s map of 1747-55, which is the most detailed and accurate early map of the area. Of the maps examined the settlement is first depicted on Burnett and Scott’s map of 1855, based upon survey data collected 1831-2, where it is named ‘Karstich Eulay’. The OS first edition map (1878) depicts a settlement of three roofed buildings and a series of enclosures on the banks of the River Strathy. The map does not record any access road or track approaching the settlement, which suggests that it must have been accessible on horseback only. At that time the settlement may have been a remote sheep farm or a hunting lodge. In 1818-19, as part of the Highland Clearances, the densely populated straths and glens of the inland part of Farr Parish, including along the River Strathy, were depopulated. The farmer and tenants evicted from the glens were resettled to the coast, to allow for sheep farming in the inland areas (Mackenzie 1834, 73). No pre-Clearance settlements are certainly known to have existed within the proposed development area, as the settlement at Lochstrathy could have been founded after the depopulation of the strath. Evidence of 19th century and later sheep farming within the proposed development area comprises two sheepfolds, one recorded beside the River Strathy on the OS first edition map of 1878 (7) and the other first recorded on the OS second edition map of 1908 beside Allt Badain (4). No trace was detected of either structure during field survey, although the site of one (4) may have been located as a trace in the vegetation within an unplanted strip beside the Allt Badain. In the later 19th century the proposed development area appears to have been incorporated within a hunting estate. The OS 2nd edition map (1908) indicates that the settlement at Lochstrathy (9) had been enlarged and was in use as a hunting lodge. Three new buildings (9a) and a kennels complex (9c) were present on the site of the earlier settlement. The hunting lodge buildings (9a), but not the kennels (9c), are visible on vertical aerial photographs taken in 1946, whereas only a single building is visible on the 1988 aerial photographs examined. The current OS map depicts no buildings. A stone building, currently in use as a bothy, now stands at the location of the main building (9a) and the remains of the original building (9b), a field boundary (9e) and several enclosures (9d) are still visible, surviving as low stone walls and turf banks. An access road over 11 miles long, approaching the settlement from Strathy to the north is depicted on the OS 2nd edition map (A16). Within the proposed development area the same map records that various features had been erected beside the road, including two buildings of uncertain origin, but possibly hunting bothies (3, 5), and three mileposts on the east side of the road (2, 6, 8). Field survey revealed that one building had been

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demolished apart from one gable end (5); the other building (3) was not located within what is now an afforested area. None of the mileposts were located (2, 6, 8). They were probably disturbed when the road to Lochstrathy was upgraded to a forest road, involving the excavation of substantial roadside ditches, associated with the afforestation of the area in the late 1980s.

13.5.4 Access Route Corridor The NMRS and SMR contain records of six archaeological sites within the proposed access route corridor (A12, A20, A25, A27, A29, A33). Eighteen additional sites (A1, A3, A5, A9-A11, A13- A17, A21-A23, A28, A30, A31, A35) are recorded on the OS first and second edition map coverage of the area. Other early map sources provide information on two additional sites (A18, A19) and additional information on the presence of the settlements at Rieroy (A12), Dail Teine (A20), Bowside (A27) and Dallangwell (A33). Areas of peat cutting (A4), numerous quarries (A32) and a possible enclosure (A34) were identified through examination of the available vertical aerial photographic coverage. Reconnaissance field survey led to the identification of five new sites of cultural heritage significance (A6, A7, A8, A24, A26), and confirmed that elements of the others survived as field monuments. Prehistoric remains are present along the east bank of the River Strathy. An area of small cairns (A25), typical of the type usually associated with hut circles, was identified close to Bowside cottage. A group of hut circles, with associated small cairns (A29), lies to the north and south of the Uidh Nan Con Luatha, a tributary of the River Strathy.

(a) Pre-Clearance settlement and land use The settlement of Dail Teine (A20) is depicted on Roy’s map (1747-55) as five buildings and is named ‘Daltinbegg’. Forbes’ map (1820) depicts a settlement named Daltinbeg. A single building is depicted and named Daltine on Thomson’s map (1823) and the OS first edition map shows two unroofed buildings. The NMRS/SMR entries for the site record two building footings, 20 by 4m and 30 by 4m respectively, and some ruinous enclosures. The site was not visited during the field survey as it lay outside the survey corridor along the proposed access route. Roy’s map (1747-55) depicts rig cultivation (A18) along the east of the River Strathy, showing that this area has been cultivated in the past. Two unnamed buildings (A19) are also depicted to the north of ‘Daltinbegg’, or Dail Teine, and probably represent a small pre-Clearance tenant farm. Bowside Lodge (A27) may occupy the site of an earlier settlement named as Burnside on Roy’s map (1747-55) and depicted as consisting of four buildings and an area of cultivation. It may also be the settlement of Malunebeg which is annotated on Forbes’ map (1820). The OS first edition map depicts four unroofed, long buildings, two unroofed structures and an enclosure, named Bowside. The track that runs through Bowside on the OS first edition map appears to represent the original alignment of track (A16) running north south along the River Strathy which was later upgraded to form the present forestry access track. The remains of ‘Dallangwell’ (A33) lie along the proposed access route. This settlement is first depicted on Burnett and Scott’s map published in 1855, which was based upon survey data from 1831-2. This suggests that the settlement was founded after the depopulation of the strath in 1818-19 (see above), and was possibly established as a sheep farm. On the OS first edition map two buildings, two enclosures and an unenclosed field are depicted on the west bank of the River Strathy. On the second edition of the same map (1908) there is an additional roofed building to the north. Field survey found three buildings and one enclosure in this area. Two of the buildings may relate to the northern two buildings depicted on the OS second edition map. The third

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building is a modern cottage. The surviving enclosure is bounded variously by low turf banks and a drainage ditch. It is depicted on the current OS map. It is possible that ‘Dallangwell’ occupies the site of an earlier pre-Clearance settlement named ‘Dalnadale’ on Roy’s map of 1747-55, although it is hard to match the cartographic detail on Roy’s map with that on early OS maps and hence confirm this. ‘Dalnadale’ is not depicted on the late 18th and early 19th century maps of Ainslie (1789), Arrowsmith (1807) and Thomson (1823).

(b) Post-Clearance settlement and land-use The site of Rieroy (A12) is described in the Highland Council SMR as a deserted settlement. It is depicted as a building on Burnett’s map of 1855 and named Rieroy. This possible settlement does not appear on any earlier maps and therefore may represent a small croft or sheep farm as opposed to a larger settlement. It is depicted as a single long building with associated enclosures on the OS first and second edition maps. On the OS second edition map ‘Bowside’ (A27) is depicted as five roofed buildings, including a kennels, four unroofed structures and three enclosures. Bowside cottage, also know as Bowside kennels on the OS second edition map, lies to the east of the track and bears a date stone of 1875. This change in the settlement layout would appear to correspond with a later 19th century change in use of Bowside, possibly to a hunting lodge. Bowside Lodge and kennels are currently in use as private residences. Strathroy farmstead (A1) appears to represent post-Clearance resettlement. It appears on the OS second edition map as a group of three buildings within a field system. Strathroy is not named or depicted on any of the early maps. The buildings are still standing but appear to be unoccupied. The croft lands associated with the settlement of Strathy West (A9) are depicted on the OS first and second edition map. The field survey identified that the croft lands are bounded by drystone walls up to 1m high and 0.5m wide. The existing access track (A16) along the Strath is depicted on the OS second edition map and appears to have replaced the previous track shown the OS first edition map. This track now extends further to the south and its construction may have been intended to provide access to the putative hunting lodges along the Strath e.g. at Bowside (A27) and further south at Lochstrathy (9). Other features associated with this new track include mileposts (A17, A23, A28) and numerous quarries (A21, A32) which may have been used to provide material for the construction of this road or for its later upgrading to form the existing forestry track. A bridge (A24) is depicted on the OS second edition map where the track crossed the Bowside Burn. It is not depicted on the first edition map as the track follows a different alignment. A bridge was recorded at this location during the field survey and may relate to the later phase of use of Bowside. An area of field clearance (A2) was recorded close to the main road opposite Strathroy. Numerous tracks (A3, A5, A8, A10, A15, A31) were recorded on the OS first and second edition maps and some were identified during the field survey crossing the proposed access route study area. These tracks ran from West Strathy and some were probably access tracks for collecting peat. Many of the tracks (A5, A15, A31) were not detected during the field survey. At least two phases of enclosures (A30) were identified on the east bank of the River Strathy, opposite Dallangwell. Several field boundaries (A11, A13, A14, A22, A35) were identified along the proposed route of the proposed access road. Two (A11, A13) were identified during the field survey as up standing turf banks. A possible enclosure (A34), visible on aerial photographs dating to 1988 was not located during the field survey. It is possible that this was a temporary structure connected with the planting of the Strath North and Strathy South forests during the 1980s. The construction of this site is not clear on the aerial photographs and the lack of physical evidence

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above ground suggests that the enclosure may have been bounded by a post and wire fence which has since been removed. Other features recorded within the access route corridor include a mortared stone structure (A6) of unknown function close to a possible well (A7); and a large clearance heap (A26) beside Bowside cottage. Extensive areas of peat cutting (A4) are visible on aerial photographs of the access route study area. They are all close to the present track and it is probable that they mainly represent cutting by local residents of the area.

(c) Importance of Sites There are no sites of National importance within the proposed application boundary. Three sites of Regional Importance have been identified within the proposed application boundary. They are Dail Teine Buildings (A20), Bowside Small Cairns (A25), and Uidh Nan Con Luatha hut-circles and small cairns (A29) all of which are on the NSR held by THC but are not considered to be of National Importance. Ten sites of Local importance have been identified within the proposed application boundary. They are a shieling (1), a building (5), Lochstrathy settlement (9), Strathroy farmstead (A1), enclosures (A9, A30), Reiroy deserted settlement (A12), Bowside bridge (A24), Bowside Lodge (A27) and Dallangwell farmstead (A33). They are all sites that are important to local settlement and land-use history and have some archaeological interest. In some areas it is not known whether any remains survive of features depicted on historical maps. Thirty-one sites of Lesser importance have been identified within the proposed application boundary (2-4, 6-8, A2-A8, A10, A11, A13-A19, A21-A23, A26, A28, A31, A32, A34, A35). They are all of little archaeological interest individually and add little to the history of the strath.

(d) Archaeological potential From the available evidence it is apparent that, at least in more recent times, the landscape of the proposed wind farm area has been largely devoid of permanent human occupation. Apart from the settlement at Lochstrathy, the few sites that have been identified relate mainly to 19th and 20th century pastoral and hunting land uses. Pre-Clearance farming settlement does not appear certainly to have extended this far up the River Strathy, perhaps due to the lack of cultivable land. To judge from the distribution of known hut-circles within the glen of the River Strathy, later prehistoric occupation also may not have extended this far up the glen, since the nearest recorded hut-circle is at Rèidhean-a-bhainne, over 4km north of the proposed development area (SMR no NC85NW0002; NC 8274 5751). The proposed access route, however, follows the course of the River Strathy as far as Dallangwell. Two areas of prehistoric occupation were identified during the desk-based assessment along this route and several other settlements lie close to the application area. The proposed access route area also crosses areas of pre-Clearance and later settlement. Before the recent planting of the land, the proposed development area appears to have been blanket bog, which characterises much of the surrounding landscape. Blanket peat has the potential to mask features of archaeological significance. Sub-peat archaeological remains are often both well preserved and contain waterlogged deposits that yield important palaeoeconomic information. The initiation of blanket bog formation in this area is likely to have begun in prehistoric times, but this does not mean that the whole of the proposed development area became covered in peat at the same time (Tipping 1994, 15). It is possible that there are archaeological remains from earlier, prehistoric to medieval date within the proposed development area, sealed within or beneath the peat and below the depth extensively disturbed by forestry planting. Any

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such remains are perhaps more likely to occur beside the River Strathy and its major tributaries, around lochs, and on the summits of rises. The northern end of the proposed access route and the proposed access route between the two areas of forest, cross areas of peat bog. Although the former area has been exploited for fuel in the past, earlier remains may still exist below the depth of the peat cutting. Blanket peat acts as a repository of palaeoenvironmental information. Several palaeoenvironmental studies examining peat core samples taken from the landscape around the proposed development area have examined Holocene vegetation development and/or the date of blanket bog initiation. These include studies of samples taken within the proposed development area at Cnoc a Broillich (NC 810 530; Durno 1958) and Lochstrathy (Gear and Huntley 1991), and other samples taken outside it at Strathy Bogs (NC 800 525; Pearsall 1956) and Cross Lochs (Charman 1992, 1994). In forested areas within the proposed development area, ploughing, planting and drainage will have diminished the value of the blanket bog as a repository of palaeoenvironmental information, whereas better quality sample locations remain in the undisturbed areas of blanket bog within and surrounding the proposed development area.

13.5.5 External receptors Of the 12 SAMs predicted by the ZTV to be intervisible with elements of the proposed development, four are located 5-6km distant to the west and north-west around Skelpick in Strathnaver, including prehistoric burial cairns (E3, E5), a broch (E8) and a homestead (E1). The remaining SAMs are located 8-15km distant and include: cairns at Fiscary (E4) c.9.5km to the north; a broch (E9) and prehistoric landscape (E12) c.10km to the north-west at Invernaver; hut circles and cairns at Allt Ceann na Coille (E11) c.12.5km to the south-west; The Tulloch fortified enclosure (E2) c.9km to the south-west; hut circles, burnt mound and clearance cairns at Cnoc na Gamhna (E10) c.15km to the SSW; Ben Griam Beg fort (E6) c.8.5km to the south; and The Borg broch (E7) in Strath Halladale c.8.5km to the east. The Listed Buildings stand between 9.5- 12.5km distant, and include: the former Church of Scotland church (E13), the Free Church (E14), the former Free Church manse (E15) and the former Free Church school (E16) which all stand within Strathy; and Ivy Cottage and steading near Bettyhill (E17). The Strathnaver Trail, which explores the history of settlement in Strathnaver is based upon 16 visitable monuments located between Loch Naver in the south and Farr in the north, and lies to the west of the proposed development area. Based upon analysis of the locations of these monuments against the ZTV, none of these sites would be intervisible with elements of the proposed development. Details of those sites within 15km of the proposed wind farm are provided in Appendix 13.4 for the record.

13.5.6 Modifying influences The present land-use within the proposed development area is commercial conifer plantation. The future harvesting of the forest outside the area proposed for felling as part of the proposed wind farm, has the potential to disturb the remains of any presently undetected archaeological remains that may survive.

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13.6 EFFECTS EVALUATION

13.6.1 Basis of assessment

(a) Development characteristics The proposed wind farm development (shown on Figure 13.1) would consist of 77 turbines, four anemometer masts, connecting access roads, three temporary construction compounds / laydown areas, a switching station and an electrical sub-station. There are also eight borrow pits within the proposed wind farm area. A detailed description of the proposed development is provided in Chapter 4.

(b) Assumed design, management and mitigation measures NPPG 5 and PAN 42 provide national planning policy guidance and advice on the treatment of the cultural heritage resource. PAN 42 indicates that the principle that should underlie all planning decision-making is preservation of cultural resources, in situ where possible. It is recognised in the document that preservation may not always be possible, and where damage is unavoidable various mitigation measures may be proposed. NPPG 5 Paragraph 17 states that it is particularly important that Scheduled Ancient Monuments are preserved in situ and within an appropriate setting. Any ground-breaking activities associated with the construction of proposed development features described above, can have potential direct impacts on features of cultural heritage interest. In addition, other construction activities, such as vehicle movements, and soil and overburden storage have the potential to cause adverse direct effects on the cultural heritage. The presence of development features may also have indirect effects on the setting of sites of cultural heritage interest. Chapter 14 considers the potential effects of construction on the hydrology of the blanket peat, changes to which could affect the condition of archaeological remains preserved within or beneath the peat away from development locations. A constraints map was provided to SSE by CFA, which showed the locations of those sites identified by the baseline survey within the proposed wind farm area and highlighted areas of potential archaeological sensitivity. Through an iterative design process, the layout presented in this Environmental Statement takes account of those recommendations, as far as is practical within the constraints imposed by other environmental and engineering interests. The upgrading of the proposed access route would take place within the field survey corridor. Any archaeological sites outside this surveyed area would be therefore be protected as works are not anticipated to extend outside this area. No effects are expected during the decommissioning and post-decommissioning stages of the proposed wind farm, assuming that the same road infrastructure is used for the deconstruction and removal of the built features of the proposed development.

13.6.2 Effects on sites within the application area The assessment of predicted effects was carried out with reference to the design layout shown on Figure 13.1. Using the assessment criteria detailed in Section 13.4, Table 13.8 lists the predicted effects of the proposed development on cultural heritage sites identified within the study areas indicated on Figure 13.1. Those sites which are not listed in Table 13.8 are not predicted to receive any effect from the proposed development.

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Direct effects are predicted in relation to sixteen sites identified within the proposed application boundary. Elements of site 9, Lochstrathy settlement and hunting lodge, lie close to the existing forestry track, a proposed access track and a compound/laydown area. Direct effects are also predicted in relation to eleven sites of lesser importance (A2-A4, A6-A8, A10, A11, A13, A16, A32) and four sites of local importance (A9, A24, A27, A33) which lie along the proposed access route. An indirect adverse effect is predicted on two sites of local importance (9, A33). Uncertain effects are predicted in relation to six sites (A5, A15, A19, A22, A30, A31) because there is insufficient baseline information available to more reliably predict the effect. Of the above, the direct effect on Bowside Bridge (A24) is predicted to be significant in terms of the criteria set out in section 13.4. Table 13.8. Predicted effects on cultural heritage features within the application area. No Site Effect Site Effect Significance type importance magnitude of effect 9 Settlement / hunting lodge d, a, p, ir Local Medium Minor i, a, p, ir Low Negligible A2 Field clearance d, a, p, ir Lesser Medium Negligible A3 Track d, a, p, ir Lesser High Minor A4 Peat cutting d, a, p, ir Lesser Imperceptible Negligible A5 Track Uncertain Lesser Uncertain Uncertain A6 Structure d, a, p, ir Lesser High Minor A7 Possible well d, a, p, ir Lesser High Minor A8 Track d, a, p, ir Lesser Imperceptible Negligible A9 Enclosures d, a, p, ir Local Low Negligible A1 Track d, a, p, ir Lesser Low Negligible 0 A1 Field Boundary d, a, p, ir Lesser Low Negligible 1 A1 Field boundary d, a, p, ir Lesser Low Negligible 3 A1 Track Uncertain Lesser Uncertain Uncertain 5 A1 Track d, a, p, ir Lesser High Minor 6 A1 Buildings Uncertain Lesser Uncertain Uncertain 9 A2 Field Boundary Uncertain Lesser Uncertain Uncertain 2 A2 Bowside Bridge d, a, p, ir Local High Moderate 4 A2 Bowside Lodge d, a, p, ir Local Low Negligible 7

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No Site Effect Site Effect Significance type importance magnitude of effect A3 Enclosure Uncertain Local Uncertain Uncertain 0 A3 Track Uncertain Lesser Uncertain Uncertain 1 A3 Quarries d, a, p, ir Lesser High Minor 2 A3 Dallangwell Farmstead i, a, p, ir / Local Low / Negligible / 3 d, a, p, ir Low Negligible (shaded boxes indicate significant effects) Key – d, direct; i, indirect; a, adverse; t, temporary; p, permanent; ir, irreversible; r, reversible.

(a) Direct effects Sixteen sites (9, A2-A4, A6-A11, A13, A16, A24, A27, A32, A33) are predicted to receive direct effects from the proposed development. One site is predicted to receive a direct effect of moderate significance. A bridge at Bowside (A24) lies along the proposed access route and carries the existing forestry track over the Bowside Burn. The site is of Local Importance and is predicted to receive an impact of high magnitude and moderate significance as it will need to be modified or possibly demolished and replaced as part of the access road upgrade. This would constitute a significant effect. Lochstrathy settlement/hunting lodge (9) is predicted to receive a direct impact from the proposed development. The site lies within a large clearing in the south of the development area. The existing track, which provides access to Lochstrathy, is proposed for upgrading/widening. This would have potential direct impacts on elements of this site such as (b) and (d) which lie to the south of the existing track. A laydown area is proposed within this area and may impinge of elements of Lochstrathy around the location of the main building (a). The overall direct impact of the proposed development on this site is predicted to be of medium magnitude and therefore of minor significance. This site is also predicted to receive indirect effects from the proposed wind farm (see below). Bowside Lodge (A27) lies adjacent to the existing forestry track and elements of the township, such as elements A and B (Appendix 13.2), would potentially be directly impacted upon by the proposed upgrading and widening of the track. As the road already exists and only a small part of the site would be affected, it is predicted to receive an impact of low magnitude and negligible significance. Dallangwell (A33) is predicted to receive direct, adverse and permanent effects arising from the construction of an access track. The proposed access route to the proposed wind farm crosses the site and potentially impinges on one surviving enclosure. The overall impact is considered to be low and therefore of negligible significance. This site is also predicted to receive indirect effects from the proposed wind farm (see below). Part of the field enclosures associated with Strathy West (A9) lie close to the proposed new build section of access route, and may be disturbed by its construction. As the receptor is of Local Importance, the low magnitude impact would lead to a negligible effect. Five sites of Lesser Importance are predicted to receive direct impacts from the development as they would be intersected or reused by the proposed access route. These sites are two tracks (A3, A16), a structure (A6), a possible well (A7) and several quarries (A32). They are predicted to receive impacts of high magnitude but minor significance.

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An area of field clearance (A2) of Lesser Importance is predicted to receive direct impacts from the proposed access route, as it lies adjacent to the existing track proposed for upgrading. The impact is considered to be of medium magnitude and therefore of negligible significance. Areas of peat cutting (A4), two tracks (A8, A10), and two field boundaries (A11, A13) lie close to or cross the proposed access route and would therefore potentially be directly affected by the development. They are considered to be of lesser importance and would receive impacts of imperceptible or low magnitude, as only a small proportion of each site would be affected by the development. The effects are considered to be of negligible significance.

(b) Indirect effects Indirect effects are predicted in relation to two sites (9, A33). Lochstrathy settlement/hunting lodge (9) would receive an indirect impact of low significance from the proposed wind farm development. A laydown area, borrow pit and turbines are proposed within the vicinity of Lochstrathy and would have an adverse impact on the setting of this site. However, proposed felling around Lochstrathy would to some extent return this site to its original setting within an open moorland environment, albeit within a wind farm. The predicted indirect impact is therefore considered to be of low magnitude and negligible significance. Dallangwell Farmstead (A33) would receive an indirect impact of negligible significance from the proposed wind farm development. The proposed access track route crosses the site and its construction would result in the site being divided into two areas.

(c) Uncertain effects Uncertain effects are predicted for six sites within the development area. The baseline for two buildings (A19) could not be confirmed, as their precise locations are not known although they probably lie outside the field survey corridor. A field boundary (A22), enclosure (A30) and three tracks (A5, A15, A31) lie within the proposed access route corridor but they were not identified during the field survey. In addition to site-specific predictions, ground-disturbing excavations associated with the proposed development components would potentially have an adverse effect on any unrecorded, buried archaeological remains present in those areas. • No effects No effects are predicted on twenty sites (2-4, 6-8, A1, A12, A14, A17, A18, A20, A21, A23, A25, A26, A28, A29, A34, A35). These sites all lie at a distance from development features or outside the field survey corridor along the access route, or no longer survive, and would therefore not be directly affected by the construction of the proposed wind farm.

13.6.3 Mitigation measures The preferred mitigation strategy is to preserve in situ and in an appropriate setting all cultural heritage resources. However, where this is not possible a Written Scheme of Investigation (WSI) for archaeological mitigation works to reduce or offset effects would be prepared prior to the enabling works for the proposed wind farm, for approval by the local planning authority. Mitigation is required in respect to the site of a bridge at Bowside (A24). The bridge would be modified or possibly demolished and replaced as part of the road upgrading to provide access to the wind farm and, therefore, a measured survey and photographic and written record would be carried out prior to construction activities commencing on site.

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Mitigation is required in respect to Lochstrathy settlement/hunting lodge (9) which would include: • a full archaeological survey of the lodge site to be carried out prior to construction works commencing on site; • relocation or micro-siting of the proposed site compound/laydown area and proposed access road to avoid any direct impacts on surviving elements of this site and marking off the identified features to protect them during construction; • if they cannot be preserved in situ, conducting an appropriate scheme of archaeological excavation and recording of elements of this site prior to the commencement of construction works; • conducting an archaeological watching brief during ground breaking works to identify and record any buried archaeological features. Mitigation is required in respect to the site of Dallangwell farmstead (A33), which would include: • micro-routing the access track to avoid the enclosure and marking off the identified features to protect them during construction; • conducting archaeological watching briefs during topsoiling of the access route to identify and record buried remains of archaeological significance associated with the settlement. Although the other predicted direct effects are considered to be non-significant, mitigation is proposed in respect of the effects on specific sites (A2, A6, A7, A9, A27) which lie on or directly adjacent to the proposed access route. These would include: • conducting a watching brief during ground-breaking works around the field clearance A2; • micro-routing the proposed access route to avoid structure A6, well A7, and enclosure A9 and fencing during construction works and felling operations; • if they cannot be preserved in situ, conducting an appropriate scheme of archaeological excavation and recording of elements A and B of Bowside Lodge (A27) prior to the commencement of construction works; • conducting an archaeological watching brief during ground breaking works at Bowside Lodge (A27). Other significant sites located close to proposed development locations, e.g. sites 1, A20, A25, and A29, would be fenced off to protect them from disturbance during construction operations. The strategy for this work would be agreed with THC’s Archaeology Unit. An archaeological watching brief and/or monitoring would be carried out in areas of archaeological sensitivity to a strategy to be agreed with THC’s Archaeology Unit. No mitigation is required for the quarry sites (A32), the areas of peat cutting (A4), tracks (A3, A5, A8, A10, A15, A16, A31) and field boundaries (A11, A13). They are of lesser importance and are considered to have been adequately recorded during this assessment. Provision would be made for the excavation and recording of any archaeological remains identified either during watching briefs, or by construction contractors in areas not subject to archaeological monitoring. This provision would include the consequent production of written reports on the findings of the archaeological work conducted, with post-excavation analyses and publication of the results of the work where appropriate.

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(a) Residual effects Table 13.9 summarises the residual effects of the proposed development upon cultural heritage resources, taking into account mitigation measures defined above. Table 13.9. Residual effects on cultural heritage features within the application area. No Site Effect Site Effect Significance type importance magnitude of effect 9 Settlement / hunting lodge d, a, p, ir Local Low Negligible i, a, p, ir Low Negligible A2 Field clearance d, a, p, ir Lesser Medium Negligible A3 Track d, a, p, ir Lesser High Minor A4 Peat cutting d, a, p, ir Lesser Imperceptible Negligible A5 Track Uncertain Lesser Uncertain Uncertain A8 Track d, a, p, ir Lesser Imperceptible Negligible A1 Track d, a, p, ir Lesser Low Negligible 0 A1 Field Boundary d, a, p, ir Lesser Low Negligible 1 A1 Field boundary d, a, p, ir Lesser Low Negligible 3 A1 Track Uncertain Lesser Uncertain Uncertain 5 A1 Track d, a, p, ir Lesser High Minor 6 A1 Buildings Uncertain Lesser Uncertain Uncertain 9 A2 Field Boundary Uncertain Lesser Uncertain Uncertain 2 A2 Bowside Bridge d, a, p, ir Local High Moderate 4 A2 Bowside Lodge d, a, p, ir Local Low Negligible 7 A3 Enclosure Uncertain Local Uncertain Uncertain 0 A3 Track Uncertain Lesser Uncertain Uncertain 1 A3 Quarries d, a, p, ir Lesser High Minor 2 A3 Dallangwell Farmstead i, a, p, ir Local Low Negligible 3 (shaded boxes indicate significant effects) Key – d, direct; i, indirect; a, adverse; t, temporary; p, permanent; ir, irreversible; r, reversible. Taking account of the mitigation measures proposed above, fourteen sites would receive residual impacts from the proposed development. Prior to mitigation measures twenty-five sites were

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predicted to receive impacts, including two sites also predicted to receive indirect impacts and six sites predicted to receive uncertain impacts from the proposed development. Taking into account the mitigation measures proposed above, thirteen sites would receive direct impacts from the proposed development. Direct impacts predicted on the other four sites (A6, A7, A9, A33) would be removed by protecting them from the proposed development as outlined in the mitigation section above. The remaining direct, indirect and uncertain effects would remain as these cannot avoided or reduced, although offset mitigation (archaeological recording) has been proposed where appropriate.

13.6.4 Effects on key external receptors Sites lying within 15km of the turbine layout and predicted to be intervisible with one or more turbines are shown on Figure 13.3. Given the nature of the proposed development and its potential visual impact on the landscape, wireframe visualisations were generated for all of the sites predicted to be intervisible with one or more turbines. Taking these into account and considering screening, from local topography the following paragraphs evaluate the predicted effects on the visible receptors as indicated by the ZTV model. Wireframe visualisations provided for nine sites indicated by the ZTV to be intervisible with one or more turbines (E2, E3, E8, E10, E11, E12, E13, E16, E17) indicated that they would not, in fact, be intervisible with any of the turbines. These sites are the scheduled monuments of 'The Tulloch', fortified enclosure, 177m north-east of Langdale (E2); chambered cairn and ring cairns 380m NNW of Achargary (E3); Cnoc Carnachadh, broch 1400m N of Carnachy (E8); Cnoc na Gamhna, hut circles, burnt mound and clearance cairns, Naver (E10); Allt Ceann na Coille hut circles and field clearance cairns, Naver Forest (E11); Invernaver cairns, cists, hut circles and field system 1000m north-west of (E12); the Category C(s) Listed Buildings of Strathy Former Church of Scotland (E13); Strathy Former Free Church School (E16) and; the Category B Listed Bettyhill Ivy Cottage and steading (E17). These sites are not considered further in this assessment.

(a) Dalmor, homestead 300m W of [receptor no. E1] Dalmor homestead, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, lies 5.85km to the north-west of the nearest proposed turbine. The wireframe visualisation indicates that the hubs of five turbines and the blade tips of a further eleven turbines would be visible above the skyline in views to the south- east. Views to the south-east, towards the proposed wind farm, are partly screened by a hill. The homestead is positioned on an east-facing slope within Strathnaver, above the River Naver, with other known prehistoric settlement remains to the north, south and east within the strath. The predicted effect on the setting of this nationally important monument, taking account of the wireframe visualisation, is assessed as imperceptible magnitude and minor significance.

(b) Fiscary cairns and chambered cairn north-east of [receptor no. E4] These scheduled cairns and chambered cairn lie 9.65km to the north of the nearest proposed turbine. The wireframe visualisation indicates that the hubs of 24 turbines and the blade tips of a further 13 turbines would be visible from this location. The cairns and chambered cairn are located on a hill with views of the coast to the north, east and west and are surrounded by the remains of prehistoric settlement. The proposed wind farm would

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be visible in views to the south. However, not all of the turbines would be visible above the skyline and they would only be visible in a small arc of view from this site. The predicted effect, taking account of the wireframe visualisation, is assessed as of imperceptible magnitude and minor significance. Therefore this site would not receive a significant indirect impact from the proposed development.

(c) Skelpick Lodge chambered cairn 400m ENE of [receptor no. E5] This scheduled chambered cairn lies 5.3km WNW of the nearest proposed turbine. The wireframe visualisation indicates that blade tips of two turbines would be visible from this location. This chambered cairn is located along Strath Naver with views predominantly to the north and south. The setting of this site is Strath Naver and very few elements of the proposed wind farm would be visible in views to the south-east. The predicted effect, taking account of the wireframe visualisation, is assessed as of no more than imperceptible magnitude and minor significance. Therefore this site would not receive a significant indirect impact from the proposed development.

(d) Ben Griam Beg, fort, Forsinard [receptor no. E6] This scheduled fort is situated on the summit of Ben Griam Beg (580m), 8.54km from the nearest proposed turbine, and has extensive views in all directions. The wireframe visualisation indicates that the whole of the proposed wind farm would be visible in views to the north from this location, the turbines being visible against a background of moorland vegetation. The predicted effect, taking account of the seperation distance between the site and the proposed wind farm and the number of turbines visible, is assessed as being of low magnitude resulting in an effect of moderate significance, according to the methodology set out in section 13.4 above. However, the proposed wind farm would only be visible in a 30 degree arc of view in views to the north from the fort. Although the proposed development would be visible from the fort, the principal setting of the fort on the summit of Ben Griam Beg would not be fundamentally altered by the construction of the proposed wind farm. Therefore the proposed wind farm would not undermine the integrity of the setting of this scheduled monument and would not significantly diminish an appreciation of its setting.

(e) The Borg, broch 1600m N of Forsinain Bridge, Strath Halladale [receptor no. E7] This scheduled broch stands 8.72km to the east of the nearest proposed turbine on a west-facing slope in Strath Halladale. There are other recorded prehistoric settlement remains to the north and south of the broch, in the strath. The wireframe visualisation indicates that the hub of four turbines and the blade tips of a further twelve turbines would be visible above the skyline from this location. Principal views from this site are to the north and south along Strath Halladale, and to the west towards the proposed wind farm. Screening may be provided by Woodcock Hill Forest which lies between the broch and the proposed wind farm. The predicted effect, taking account of the wireframe visualisation, is assessed as of imperceptible magnitude and minor significance. Therefore this site would not receive a significant indirect impact from the proposed development.

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(f) Lochan Druim an Duin, broch 320m E of [receptor no. E9] This scheduled broch stands 10.37km to the north-west of the nearest proposed turbine. The wireframe visualisation indicates that the blade tips of seven turbines would be visible from this location. Views from this site are predominantly to the north, towards the sea and are partly screened to the south-east towards the proposed wind farm by a hill. The predicted effect, taking account of the wireframe visualisation and the limited visibility of the proposed wind farm components, is assessed as of imperceptible magnitude and minor significance. Therefore this broch would not receive a significant indirect impact from the proposed development.

(g) Strathy Free Church [receptor no. E14] This C(s) Listed Building stands within Strathy village, 12.25km to the north of the nearest proposed turbine. The wireframe visualisation indicates that the hubs of fifteen turbines and blade tips of a further fifty turbines would be visible above the skyline in views to the south. This site has a clear view towards the proposed wind farm to the south but faces to the south-east and the main setting for this building is the village of Strathy. The predicted effect on the setting of this building, taking account of the wireframe visualisation, is assessed as low magnitude and negligible significance.

(h) Strathy Former Free Church Manse [receptor no. E15] This C(s) Listed Building lies within Strathy village, 12.24km to the north of the nearest proposed turbine. This site lies close to Strathy Free Church and main setting for this site is the village of Strathy. The wireframe visualisation indicates that the hubs of fifteen turbines and blade tips of a further fifty turbines would be visible above the skyline in views to the south. This site has views towards the proposed wind farm to the south, and faces south, though the main setting for this building is the village of Strathy and, more specifically, the Free Church (E14) with which it is associated. The predicted effect on the setting of this locally important building, taking account of the wireframe visualisation, is assessed as low magnitude and negligible significance.

(i) Conclusion The above assessment indicates that none of the external receptors would receive a significant indirect impact from the presence of the wind farm.

13.7 SUMMARY Forty-four sites of cultural heritage significance have been identified by the assessment within the study area boundary depicted on Figures 13.1 and 13.2, using a range of desk-based sources, consultations and a field reconnaissance survey. Additional buried and unrecorded remains of archaeological significance may survive across the application area, and are considered more likely to occur in land bordering the River Strathy and minor tributaries where known sites are concentrated. One site located within the proposed wind farm area is predicted to receive a significant direct impact from the proposed development. Fifteen sites are predicted to receive direct impacts from

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the construction of the proposed access route but only one would receive a significant direct impact. Mitigation measures to avoid, reduce and offset predicted effects have been proposed, to be carried out either prior to development or during the construction phase. Seventeen external receptors have been predicted to be inter-visible with the proposed wind farm in the wider landscape on the basis of the ZTV. Only eight of these receptors would be intervisible with the proposed wind farm on the basis of the wireframe visualisations, and are predicted to receive indirect effects of no more than minor significance.

13.8 REFERENCES

13.8.1 Aerial photographs Sortie Frames Date Scale Lib ref 106G/Scot/UK73 4339-4343 09/05/46 1:10000 B82 4101-4107 3101-3111 106/Scot/UK74 6032-6036 09/05/46 1:30000 C25 106/Scot/UK74 4077-4087 09/05/46 1:10000 B88 3080-3088 106/Scot/UK70 4129-4138 09/05/46 1:10000 B32 3130-3137 3373-3379 106G/Scot/UK68 3083-3086 09/05/46 1:10000 B34 60988 059-061 07/05/88 1:24000 C234 120-123 63788 129-131 10/10/88 1:24000 C256

13.8.2 Historic maps Ainslie, J. 1789 Scotland, drawn from a series of angles and astronomical observations Anon, 1815 Sketch of the county of Sutherland showing the boundaries & divisions of the earldom of Sutherland. Arrowsmith, A. 1807 Map of Scotland constructed from new materials. Bartholomew, J.G. 1912 Survey Atlas of Scotland. Blaeu, J. 1654 Strath-navernia. Burnett, G. & Scott, W.1855 Map of the county of Sutherland made on the basis of the trigonometrical survey of Scotland in the years 1831, 1832. Campbell, R. 1794 A New and correct map of Scotland or North Britain, drawn from the most approved surveys. Dorret, J. 1750 A general map of Scotland and islands thereto belonging. Forbes, W. 1820 Sutherlandshire. Kitchen, T. 1773 A new and complete map of Scotland and islands thereto belong. Moll, H. 1745 The Shires of Caithness and Sutherland. Ordnance Survey 1921-28 One-inch "Popular" edition maps of Scotland. Ordnance Survey First Edition 1873 Sutherland, Sheet X: 6” to 1 mile.

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Ordnance Survey First Edition 1873 Sutherland, Sheet XIX: 6” to 1 mile. Ordnance Survey First Edition 1873 Sutherland, Sheet XXVII: 6” to 1 mile. Ordnance Survey First Edition 1978 Sutherland, Sheet XXVIII: 6” to 1 mile. Ordnance Survey First Edition 1973 Sutherland, Sheet XXXVII: 6” to 1 mile. Ordnance Survey Second Edition 1908 Sutherland, Sheet X: 6” to 1 mile. Ordnance Survey Second Edition 1908 Sutherland, Sheet XIX: 6” to 1 mile. Ordnance Survey Second Edition 1908 Sutherland, Sheet XXVII: 6” to 1 mile. Ordnance Survey Second Edition 1908 Sutherland, Sheet XXVIII: 6” to 1 mile. Ordnance Survey Second Edition 1908 Sutherland, Sheet XXXVII: 6” to 1 mile. Pont, T. c.1583-96 Strathnaver. Roy W 1747-55 A Military Survey of Scotland. Thomson, J. 1823 Sutherland Shire.

13.8.3 Bibliography Charman, D.J. 1992 Blanket mire formation at the Cross Lochs, Sutherland, northern Scotland. Boreas 21 53-72. Charman, D.J. 1994 ‘Late-glacial and Holocene vegetation history of the Flow Country, northern Scotland’, New Phytologist. Dingwall, J. 1791-99 ‘Parish of Far’ in The Statistical Account of Scotland Vol. 3, 538-544. Dunwell, A.J. 2001 A836 Melvich-Strathy - Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment and Walk- Over Survey. CFA Report no. 651, unpublished Durno, S.E. 1958 Pollen analysis of peat deposits in eastern Sutherland and Caithness. Scottish Geographical Magazine 74, 127-135. Gear, A.J. and Huntley, B. 1991 Rapid Changes in the Range Limits of Scots Pine 4000 years ago. Science 251, 544-547. Mackenzie, D. 1834 ‘Parish of Farr’ in The New Statistical Account Vol. 15, 66-81. Pearsall, W.H. 1956 Two blanket bogs in Scotland. Journal of Ecology 44, 493-516. The Highland Council 2003 Strathnaver Trail Tourist Information Leaflet. Tipping, R. 1994 ‘The form and fate of Scotland’s woodlands’ in Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 124, 1-54. www.geo.ed.ac.uk/spad/

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SCOTTISH & SOUTHERN ENERGY PLC STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

GAZETTEER OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND MONUMENTS WITHIN PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AREA

No NGR NMRS / SMR Source Class Status / Description / baseline importance 1 NC 7749 5315 NC75SE 2 / NMRS; OS Shieling Local A small, unroofed square structure located on the north side of the burn NC75SE0002 maps; field issuing from Loch nan Clach is depicted on the 1st and 2nd edition OS survey maps. The structure was not detected on vertical aerial photographs. Field survey located the very denuded remains of this structure on a low knoll within an unplanted strip following the burn. It measures c. 6m by 4m with turf wall standing up to 0.5m high. 2 NC 8079 5257 OS maps; field Milepost (site of) Lesser The 2nd edition OS map depicts a milepost annotated ‘M.P. Strathy 9’ on survey the east side of the access road to Lochstrathy. Field survey found no trace of this feature, which was probably disturbed when the access track was upgraded to a forest road. 3 NC 8065 5250 OS maps; field Building Lesser The 2nd edition OS map depicts a single roofed building on the west side of survey the access road to Lochstrathy. Field survey detected no trace of this structure, its site now in dense plantation. 4 NC 8055 5168 OS maps; field Sheepfold Lesser The 2nd edition 6” OS map depicts a sub-circular sheepfold on the north survey bank of the Allt Badain. Field survey detected no physical remains of this structure, although a circular grassed area within heather moorland was identified that may mark its former location, within what is now an unplanted corridor along the Allt Badain. 5 NC 8090 5133 OS maps; field Building Local The 2nd edition 6” OS map depicts a roofed building on an east-west survey alignment located on the north bank of the Allt Badain a little east of the access road to Lochstrathy. Field survey found that this building has been entirely demolished apart from the mortared east gable end, which incorporated a chimney stack and a fireplace. The gable end stands c. 2m high, and stands in an open area within the plantation.

APPENDIX 13.1 PAGE 1 STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

No NGR NMRS / SMR Source Class Status / Description / baseline importance 6 NC 8075 5104 OS maps; field Milepost (site of) Lesser The 2nd edition 6” OS map depicts a milepost annotated ‘M.P. Strathy 10’ survey on the east side of the access track to Lochstrathy. Field survey found no trace of this feature, which was probably disturbed when the access track was upgraded to a forest road. 7 NC 7980 5008 OS maps; field Sheepfold Lesser The 1st edition OS map depicts a sheepfold on the north side of the survey confluence of the River Strathy and an unnamed tributary. Field survey detected no trace of this structure, its site now in dense plantation. 8 NC 7996 4969 OS maps; field Milepost (site of) Lesser The 2nd edition OS map depicts a milepost annotated ‘M.P. Strathy 11’ on survey the east side of the access track to Lochstrathy. Field survey found no trace of this feature, which was probably disturbed when the access track was upgraded to a forest road. 9 NC 793 489 OS maps; aerial Settlement / hunting Local This settlement is likely to have been established after the mid 18th photographs lodge century, as it is not recorded on Roy’s map of 1747-55, which is the most detailed and accurate early map of the area. Of the maps examined the settlement is first depicted on Burnett and Scott’s map of 1855, based upon survey data collected 1831-2, where it is named ‘Karstich Eulay’. The 1st edition OS map depicts a settlement of three roofed buildings (b) and a series of enclosures extending along either side of the River Strathy for c. 200m length (d). A track is depicted within the settlement, but does not extend beyond the limits of the settlement. The 2nd edition OS map indicates that the character of the settlement had changed substantially. Three roofed buildings and a garden enclosure, named Lochstrathy, had been constructed to the north of the earlier buildings (a). The two earlier buildings on the north bank of the river had been either replaced or reused within a cluster of four buildings annotated on the map as kennels (b and c). The earlier enclosures and building south of the river continued to be mapped (d). The settlement was approached from the north by a new road from Strathy, over 11 miles distant. It appears that in the later 19th century Lochstrathy had been developed as a hunting lodge. The hunting lodge buildings, but not the kennels, are visible on vertical aerial photographs taken in 1946, whereas only a single building is visible on the 1988 aerial photographs examined. The current OS map depicts no buildings to be present at Lochstrathy.

APPENDIX 13.1 PAGE 2 STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

Field survey identified; a) Lochstrathy– a slate roofed, stone and mortar building measuring c.15m by c.5.5m by c.6m tall. It is currently in use as a bothy. This building does not correspond with any of the buildings depicted on the 2nd edition OS. b) A drystone building measuring c.20m by 5m and up to 0.5m high. This building corresponds with the original Lochstrathy building depicted on the 1st edition OS map. A smaller structure measuring c.4m by c.2m was recorded within this building and may be a bothy, built from the stone of the ruinous building. The walls of this building survive to a maximum height of 1m. d) A turf bank, c.1m wide and 0.5m wide. It appears to be the remains of the large enclosure shown on the 1st and 2nd edition map. Parts of the west, south and north banks were visible. An entrance c2m wide is visible along the west side. It survives as a revetting wall along the river bank, up to 1m high otherwise it is visible as a turf bank. e) A turf bank c.0.75m high and 1m wide. The track shown on the 2nd edition OS map has been upgraded for use as a forestry track. A short length of the original access track is still visible running from the upgraded access track northwards to the bothy and a short distance beyond. It is visible as a track 1.5m wide with low banks running parallel on either side, covered with grass and heather.

APPENDIX 13.1 PAGE 3 STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

GAZETTEER OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND MONUMENTS ALONG THE PROPOSED ACCESS ROUTE No NGR NMRS / SMR Source Class Status / Description / baseline importance A1 NC 8524 6517 OS Maps; aerial Strathroy farmstead Local Three buildings within a field system are depicted on the second edition photos OS map and named Strathroy. Three buildings are shown on the OS 1-inch popular edition map (1921-28). This site was not visited during the field survey as it lies outside the field survey corridor. A2 NC 8525 6518 Dunwell 2001; Field Clearance Lesser An area of stone clearance heaps is present to either side of the track field survey leading south from Baligill (formerly Strathroy), although most lie on the west side. The clearance is likely to be of relatively modern origin. It may have come from the improved land to the north of the A836 road. It appears to overlie and obscure the course of a former alignment of a track, which is depicted on the first edition OS map as curving across the area. A3 NC 8526 6519 – OS Maps; aerial Track Lesser A track is depicted on the first and second edition OS maps running N-S NC 8512 6480 photos; field from the main road. Field survey identified a track measuring c.3m wide survey and continuing to the south. It appears to have been a tarmac road in the past but it is now in poor condition. A4 NC 850 645 and aerial photos; Peat cutting Lesser Extensive areas of peat cutting are visible either side of the track on aerial NC 835 620 field survey photographs and were noted during the walk over survey. They are rectangular in shape, 0.5-1m deep and do not appear to be currently in use. They extend for c.200m either side of the existing tracks. A5 NC 8494 6440 – OS Maps; aerial Track Lesser A track is depicted on the first edition OS map running north-west to NC 8450 6478 photos south-east and branching into two tracks to the north-west. This site could not be identified during the field survey. A6 NC 84727 Field survey Structure Lesser A ruinous mortared stone structure measuring 4m by 3m by 1m high with 64596 walls 0.5m thick. A section of glazed ceramic pipe is visible projecting through the E and W walls. A7 NC 84745 Field survey Possible Well Lesser A possible well, lined with a mortared stone wall and capped with a large, 64600 roughly square stone c.1m by 1m. Possibly linked to site A6.

APPENDIX 13.2 PAGE 1 STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

No NGR NMRS / SMR Source Class Status / Description / baseline importance A8 NC 8466 6468 Field survey Track Lesser A track was recorded during the field survey as a slight terrace cutting across the moorland and overgrown with heather. It measures c.1.5m wide and up to 0.5m deep and continues to the north, outside the study area. A9 NC 8424 6425 OS Maps; aerial Strathy West Local Several croft lands associated with Strathy West are depicted on the first photos; field enclosures and second edition OS map. The southern most point of these lands survey extends into the study area at the NGR noted. The field survey identified that the croft lands are bounded by drystone walls up to 1m high and 0.5m wide. A10 NC 8412 6415 OS Maps; aerial Track Lesser A track is depicted on the first edition OS map running north-west to photos; field south-east. It was identified during the field survey as a waterlogged survey hollow-way. It is cut into the ground slightly and is overgrown with heather in places. It measures c.1.5m wide and 0.5m deep and is therefore unlikely to have been a vehicle track. A11 NC 8513 6479 – OS Maps; aerial Field Boundary Lesser A field boundary is depicted on the first edition OS running south-west NC 8460 6490 – photos; field from the first bend in track (A3) and then turning north-west to south-east. NC 8392 6412 survey Only the eastern section is depicted on the second edition OS map. The field survey identified a heather covered bank spread to 3m, and 0.3m high. A few stones are visible along the top of the bank. A12 NC 8380 6410 NC86SW0021 SMR; maps; Rieroy Deserted Local A building is depicted on Burnett and Scott (1855) but not named. Reiroy aerial photos Settlement is depicted on the first edition OS map as one long building and enclosure, and two separate enclosures. This site was not visited during the field survey as it lies outside the field survey corridor. A13 NC 8390 6404 – OS Maps; aerial Field Boundary Lesser A field boundary is depicted on the first edition OS map. It is visible as a NC 8422 6388 photos; field heather covered bank c.1m wide and up to 0.3m high. survey A14 NC 8381 6400 – OS Maps; aerial Field boundary Lesser A field boundary is depicted on the first edition OS map running south NC 8373 6347 – photos from Rieroy for 450m, before turning west towards the river. This site was NC 8349 6342 not located during the current survey. A15 NC 8366 6393 – OS Maps; aerial Track Lesser A track is depicted on the first edition OS map running south from Rieroy. NC 8296 6092 photos This site was not identified during the field survey.

APPENDIX 13.2 PAGE 2 STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

No NGR NMRS / SMR Source Class Status / Description / baseline importance A16 NC 8390 6400 – OS Maps Track Lesser A new access road over 11 miles long from Strathy to the north and NC 8290 5960 continuing outside the application area to the south is depicted on the second edition OS map. This track is currently in use as a forestry track. A17 NC 8369 6351 OS Maps Milepost Lesser A milepost is depicted on the second edition OS map, annotated "Strathy 1". This site was not found during the field survey. A18 NC 838 644 to Old Maps Cultivation Lesser Cultivation rigs are depicted on Roy's map (1747-55) within this NC 838 624 approximate area alongside the river. No cultivation rigs were identified during the field survey. A19 NC 835 633 Old Maps Buildings Lesser Two buildings are depicted on Roy's map (1747-55) at this approximate location. The site of these buildings was not visited during the field survey as they lie outside the proposed access route survey corridor. A20 NC 834 631 NC86SW 23 / NMRS; SMR; Dail Teine Buildings Regional The NMRS records the remains of two buildings 20 by 4m and 30 by 4m, NC86SW0024 Maps (NSR Code N) and some ruinous enclosures. This site comprises two unroofed buildings as depicted on the first edition OS map. One building is depicted on Thomson's map of 1823 and named Daltine. Daltinbeg is the name of the settlement on Forbes' map of 1820. Daltinbegg consisting of five buildings (one on the north of a burn) is depicted on Roy's map (1747-55). The SMR records this site as a Non-Statutory Register site, code N, i.e. they consider this site not likely to be of national importance. This site was not visited during the field survey as it lies outside the field survey corridor. A21 NC 8355 6268 OS Maps; aerial Quarry Lesser A small quarry is depicted at the end of a short track on the east side of the photos; Field existing forestry track, on the second edition OS map. Only the track was survey recorded during the field survey as the quarry lies outside the field survey area. The track measured 3m across and c.0.5m high. A22 NC 8338 6271 OS Maps; aerial Field Boundary Lesser A field boundary is depicted on the second edition OS. No trace of this photos field boundary could be seen during the field survey. A23 NC 8324 6206 OS Maps Milepost Lesser A milepost is depicted on the second edition OS map, annotated "Strathy 2". No trace of this milepost could be seen during the field survey. A24 NC 83065 Field survey Bowside Bridge Local A small arched stone bridge was identified at this location carrying the 60994 present track over Bowside Burn. It measures 7m by 4m and 3m high.

APPENDIX 13.2 PAGE 3 STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

No NGR NMRS / SMR Source Class Status / Description / baseline importance A25 NC 831 609 NC86SW 6 / NMRS; SMR Bowside Small Regional The NMRS records a group of about ten apparent hut circles which are, in NC86SW0006 Cairns (NSR Code N) fact, field clearance heaps quarried and mutilated until they give this erroneous impression. They average 4.5m in diameter and some of the mounds are still intact. The group covers an area about 100m north-west to south-east by 50m transversely and lies on a west-facing slope. These mounds are typical of the stone clearance heaps usually associated with cultivation around hut circles. The SMR records this site as a Non-Statutory Register site, code N. They consider this site not likely to be of national importance. This site was not visited during the field survey as it lies outside the survey corridor and no features were identified within the survey corridor that may have related to this site. A26 NC 83081 Field survey Clearance heap Lesser A large grass covered mound with stone visible on the surface, measuring 60921 c.30m by 5m and up to 2m high. It is possibly connected with the construction of the adjacent Bowside cottage and does not appear to be part of the small cairns (A25).

APPENDIX 13.2 PAGE 4 STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

No NGR NMRS / SMR Source Class Status / Description / baseline importance A27 NC 830 609 NC86SW 26 / NMRS; SMR; Bowside Lodge Local The NMRS records a township comprising one roofed building and two NC86SW0033 aerial photos; unroofed buildings to the E of the road and three roofed and two unroofed OS maps; field buildings and two enclosures all within a boundary wall and on the W of survey the road. Roy's map (1747-1754) depicts a settlement, named as ‘Burnside’, consisting of four buildings within an area of cultivation at this location. Forbes’ map (1820) depicts a possible settlement named ‘Malunebeg’ at this location. The first edition OS depicts four unroofed, long buildings, two unroofed buildings and an enclosure to the E of a track. The second edition OS map depicts five roofed buildings, including a kennels, four unroofed structures and three enclosures. Field survey identified; (A) small building: measuring 7m by 4.5m by 0.75m high with an annex to the west, lying to the west of the existing track. It is of turf and stone construction and a small portion of drystone wall was visible on the north side. (B) A large drystone built enclosure: recorded to the north of structure (A). (C) Bowside cottage: also know as Bowside kennels on the second edition OS map, lies to the east of the track and bears a date stone of 1875. The kennels are still visible as part of the structure which is currently occupied. The kennels suggest that Bowside was a hunting lodge. A28 NC 8307 6048 OS Maps Milepost Lesser A milepost is shown on the second edition OS map, annotated "Strathy 3". This site was not identified during the field survey.

APPENDIX 13.2 PAGE 5 STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

No NGR NMRS / SMR Source Class Status / Description / baseline importance A29 NC 829 601 NC86SW 17 / NMRS Uidh Nan Con Luatha Regional (NSR) The NMRS records, on undulating moorland on either side of Uidh nan NC86SW0017 Hut-Circles; Small code R Con Luatha, a settlement of three stone-walled hut circles (A-C). Huts A Cairns and B are almost contiguous and similar, each measuring 8.5m in diameter within an ill-defined wall 0.2m maximum height. The entrances of simple form are in the south arc. Hut C is the best preserved, measuring 11.0m NNW-SSE by 9.5m transversely, within a wall spread to 2.5m wide and 0.4m high, in which one or two facing slabs are exposed. The entrance, of simple form, is in the SSE arc. Some cleared ground and clearance heaps occur around the hut, but they appear to be of recent date. The SMR records this site as a Non-Statutory Register site, code R. They consider this site to be ‘almost certainly of regional importance but not likely to be of national importance’. This site was not visited during the field survey as it lies outside the survey corridor and no features were identified within the survey corridor that may have related to this site. A30 NC 827 596 OS Maps Enclosures Local A large enclosure is depicted on the first edition OS map. A slightly larger enclosure is shown at this location on the second edition OS map. Field survey did not identify any remains of this site. A31 NC 8260 5968 – OS Maps, aerial Track Lesser A track is depicted running south from the above enclosure on the first NC 8265 5923 photos edition OS map. Field survey did not identify any remains of this site. A32 NC 840 644 - aerial photos; Quarries Lesser Field survey identified quarries along the length of the existing track, NC 851 648 Field survey presumably linked to its construction and maintenance. The quarries vary in size from 10m to 30m in length and from 1.5m to 5m in depth. They are all of minimal archaeological significance.

APPENDIX 13.2 PAGE 6 STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

No NGR NMRS / SMR Source Class Status / Description / baseline importance A33 NC 825 598 NC85NW 5/ NMRS, OS Farmstead Local The farmstead of Dallangwell is first depicted schematically on Burnett NC85NW0005 maps, field and Scott’s map (1855). On the first edition 6” OS map (Sutherland, sheet survey 19, 1878) two roofed buildings with gardens, two enclosures and an unenclosed field are depicted on the west bank of the River Strathy. On the second edition of the same map (1908) there is an additional roofed building to the north. Field survey found that three buildings and one enclosure are visible in this area. Two of the buildings appear to correspond with buildings depicted on the second edition OS map. The third building is a modern cottage. The surviving enclosure is bounded by low turf banks on its north and east sides and has a drainage ditch defining its south and west sides. It is depicted on the current OS map. It is possible that Dallangwell occupied the site of an earlier, pre-Clearance, settlement named Dalnadale on Roy’s map of 1747-55, although it is hard to match the cartographic detail on Roy’s map with that displayed on early OS maps. Dalnadale is absent from late 18th and early 19th century maps (e.g. Ainslie 1789, Arrowsmith 1807, Thomson 1823). A34 NC 7712 5558 Aerial Enclosure Lesser A rectangular enclosure measuring c.15m by c.20m is visible on aerial photographs photographs dating to 1988. Field survey did not identify any remains of this site. It is possible that this was a temporary structure connected with the planting of the Strathy North and Strathy South forests during the 1980s. The construction of this site is not clear on the aerial photographs and the lack of physical evidence above ground suggests that the enclosure may have been bounded by a post and wire fence, which has subsequently been removed. A35 NC 7695 5489 - OS maps Field boundary Lesser A field boundary is depicted on the Ordnance Survey 2nd Edition map NC 7677 5600 (1908). Field survey did not identify any remains of this site though a modern post and wire fence follows the same alignment.

APPENDIX 13.2 PAGE 7 STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

GAZETTEER OF KEY EXTERNAL RECEPTORS No Site NGR Status Number of Distance to Sensitivity Effect Type Effect Magnitude Significance visible Turbines nearest turbine Of Effect (based on ZTV) E1 Homestead 300m W of Dalmor NC 7168 5539 Scheduled 10500 1 to 19 5.85 National i, a, t, r Imperceptible Minor E2 The Tulloch', fortified NC 6973 4495 Scheduled 10503 1 to 19 8.80 National None None None enclosure, 177m north-east of Langdale E3 Chambered cairn and ring cairns NC 7194 5500 Scheduled 1760 1 to 19 5.52 National None None None 380m NNW of Achargary E4 Cairns & chambered cairn NC 7285 6261 Scheduled 1790 1 to 19 9.65 National i, a, t, r Imperceptible Minor north-east of Fiscary E5 Chambered cairn 400m ENE of NC 7249 5605 Scheduled 1816 1 to 19 5.30 National i, a, t, r Imperceptible Minor Skelpick Lodge E6 Ben Griam Beg, fort, Forsinard NC 8296 4109 Scheduled 1836 58 to 77 8.54 National i, a, t, r Imperceptible Minor E7 The Borg, broch 1600m N of NC 8993 5095 Scheduled 1839 20 to 38 8.72 National i, a, t, r Imperceptible Minor Forsinain Bridge, Strath Halladale E8 Cnoc Carnachadh, broch 1400m NC 7213 5269 Scheduled 1850 1 to 19 5.35 National None None None N of Carnachy E9 broch 320m E of Lochan Druim NC 6973 6097 Scheduled 1879 1 to 19 10.37 National i, a, t, r Imperceptible Minor an Duin E10 Cnoc na Gamhna, hut circles, NC 6903 3700 Scheduled 2514 1 to 19 15.22 National None None None burnt mound & clearance cairns,

Naver Forest

APPENDIX 13.3 PAGE 1 STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

No Site NGR Status Number of Distance to Sensitivity Effect Type Effect Magnitude Significance visible Turbines nearest turbine Of Effect (based on ZTV) E11 Allt Ceann na Coille, hut circles NC 6719 4170 Scheduled 2521 1 to 19 12.73 National None None None & field clearance cairns, Naver Forest E12 cairns, cists, hut circles & field NC 7005 6111 Scheduled 2842 1 to 19 10.21 National None None None system 1000m NW of Invernaver E13 Strathy Former Church of NC 8351 6520 Listed C(s) 1 to 19 11.84 Local None None None Scotland HBNum 7143 E14 Strathy, Free Church NC 8439 6527 Listed C(s) 58 to 77 12.25 Local i, n, t, r Low Negligible HBNum 7144 E15 Strathy, Former Free Church NC 8442 6527 Listed C(s) 58 to 77 12.27 Local i, n, t, r Low Negligible Manse HBNum 7145 E16 Strathy, Former Free Church NC 8436 6527 Listed C(s) 58 to 77 12.24 Local None None None School HBNum 7146 E17 Bettyhill Ivy Cottage and NC 7253 6233 Listed B HBNum 1 to 19 9.65 Regional None None None steading 7158

APPENDIX 13.3 PAGE 2 STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT

SUMMARY OF SITES IDENTIFIED FROM STRATHNAVER TRAIL WITHIN 15KM OF PROPOSED WIND FARM (NUMBERED FROM STRTHNAVER TRAIL TOURIST LEAFLET) No Site NGR Status 3 ‘Gloomy Memories’ memorial NC 684 422 Non-designated 4 Syre & Syre Church NC 693 439 Category C(s) Listed (HBNum 7147) 5 Rosal settlement, souterrain & hut circles NC 689 417 Scheduled 2510 & 2515 6 Clach an Righ stone circle NC 679 390 Scheduled 1779 7 Dalharrold Battlefield NC 677 382 Non-designated 9 Skail Chambered Cairn, Chapel, Burial Ground and Red Priest’s Stone NC 713 468 centred Scheduled 1776 & 2721 10 93rd Sutherland Highlanders, monument NC 720 482 Non-designated 11 Achcoillenaborgie broch NC 714 595 Scheduled 1824 12 Coille na Borgie horned chambered cairns NC 716 590 Scheduled 1781 13 Achanlochy settlement NC 716 586 Non-designated 14 Bettyhill salmon net fishing station, canning factory & ice house NC 700 624 Category B Listed (HBNum 49634) 15 Bettyhill War Memorial NC 711 621 Non-designated 16 Farr Church (Strathnaver Museum) and Farr Stone NC 715 622 Scheduled 1889 Category B Listed (HBNum 7156)

APPENDIX 13.4 PAGE 1 m m m m m m m m Figure 13.1 m 5 4 0 5 4 0 5 3 0 5 2 0 5 1 0 5 0 4 9 0 4 8 0 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 Key 8 2 0 2 9 d m 5 8 1 0 2 b 2 6 e c 3 4 a m 8 8 0 2 7 9

Archaeological Site m 7 9 0 2 m 7 8 0 2 1 m 7 0 2 0 500 1000m N

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Project STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM Title m Cultural Heritage Sites within proposed 7 6 0

2 wind farm. Drawing No. Revisions Reproduced with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Contoller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office, © Crown copyright. A CFA Archaeology Ltd, The Old Engine House, Eskmills Park, Musselburgh EH21 7PQ AL100034785 Scale 1:25,000 @ A3 Date Feb. 2007 CFA ARCHAEOLOGY LTD The Old Engine House Eskmills Park Musselburgh East Lothian, EH21 7PQ

telephone 0131 273 4380 facsimile 0131 273 4381 email [email protected] Figure 13.2

1 k m Key

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0 . 5 Archaeological Site (polygon) Archaeological Site (line) Quarries 0 Peat cutting Field Survey Corridor Application Area Field Boundary Track 250m Buffers a p 2 M

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Project STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM Title a p 1 Cultural Heritage Sites

M Along Proposed

Reproduced with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Contoller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office, © Crown copyright. Access Route CFA Archaeology Ltd, Old Engine House, Eskmills Park, Musselburgh EH21 7PQ AL100034785 0 0.5 1km Drawing No. Revisions

N A Scale 1:20 , 0 00 @ A3 Date Feb 2007

CFA ARCHAEOLOGY LTD The Old Engine House Eskmills Park Musselburgh East Lothian, EH21 7PQ

telephone 0131 273 4380 facsimile 0131 273 4381 email [email protected] Figure 13.3

Sites added by CFA Archaeology Ltd:

Listed Building

Scheduled Ancient Monument

0 10 km

Client

Project STRATHY SOUTH WIND FARM Title Cultural Heritage External Receptors

Drawing No. Revisions A Scale 1:25,000 @ A3 Date Feb. 2007

CFA ARCHAEOLOGY LTD Reproduced with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of The Contoller of Her Majesty's Stationary Office, © Crown copyright. CFA The Old Engine House Eskmills Park Archaeology Ltd, Old Engine House, Eskmills Park, Musselburgh EH21 7PQ AL100034785 Musselburgh East Lothian, EH21 7PQ

telephone 0131 273 4380 facsimile 0131 273 4381 email [email protected]