Heritage Archaeological Consultancy

Professional Archaeological & Heritage Advice Toad Hall Studios Desk-based Assessment & Evaluation Bhlaraidh House Field Survey & Watching Briefs Glenmoriston Database & GIS design -shire IV63 7YH

Report on Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment, Walk Over Survey and Trial Excavation at

Dalfaber Farm, Aviemore

For LDG-Grampian Soil Surveys (UK) Ltd on behalf of Reidhaven Estates

Highland Heritage is run by Dr Harry Robinson BA MA PhD MIFA FSA Scot. Tel: 01320 351272 email [email protected] CONTENTS

1 SUMMARY

2 THE SURVEY STRATEGY

2.1 Terms of Reference Illustration 1 Site Location 2.2 Aims and objectives 2.3 Desk-based Assessment 2.4 Cartographic History Illustration 2 maps 1, 2, 3 2.5 Aerial Photographs 2.6 Previous Work 2.7 Walk-over survey and photographic record 2.8 Trial Trenching Illustration 3 Site Plan

3 THE PRESENT LANDSCAPE AND ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Topography 3.2 Geology 3.3 Soils and landuse

4 THE SETTLEMENT HISTORY, ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Archaeological Gazetteer

5 BIBLIOGRAPHY

6 RECOMMENDATIONS

Appendix I Photograph Register

Appendix II Project specification prepared by the Highland Council Planning and Development Service Archaeology Unit

Page 1 of 2 1 SUMMARY

A housing development is proposed on an area of heath, woodland and rough pasture which once was part of Dalfaber Farm near Aviemore. As part of The Highland Council’s planning procedure an archaeological assessment and sampling trenching were required to allow the applicants to meet planning guidelines. To assess any possible impact of this development on the archaeological resource, the author was commissioned by LDG-Grampian Soil Surveys (UK) Ltd. to conduct the survey in August 2004.

From this investigation it is my considered opinion that no archaeological remains are at risk in this area and no further work is required to satisfy planning requirements.

2 THE SURVEY STRATEGY

2.1 Terms of Reference

A brief for this scheme was produced by The Highland Council Archaeological Unit for LDG-Grampian Soil Surveys (UK) Ltd. who are responsible for the work including contractual arrangements. It was based on documents supplied at the time it was issued: it specified the scope and standard of the required work, the areas of responsibility, objectives, method, monitoring and reporting arrangements (copy Appendix II).

The area covered by this evaluation is only “the land to the north of the former Dalfaber Farm” centred on NGR NH 9065 1365 (illustration 1 page 3) including any proposed services, access roads, works compounds, borrow pits or other ancillary works.

Highland Heritage agreed a timetable for the work with the client and the Highland Council Archaeology Unit before the start of site works. The evaluation consisted of an initial desk-based assessment and walkover survey in which all features were photographed and plotted on a suitable scale plan, keyed by means of Grid References to the Ordnance Survey mapping. A 1:1,000 scale plan was provided by LDG-Grampian Soil Surveys (UK) Ltd. for this purpose and provided guidance for trial trenching of a sample 5% of the site: a full annotated copy (showing landscape features and suitable areas for sampling) is enclosed in the Highland Council’s copy of this report.

This Report sets out the results of the work: there are no proposed arrangements for the safeguarding or recording of any objects or features and no further archaeological fieldwork will is needed. Dr Harry Robinson MIFA is responsible for producing this report and for making sure copies have been received by the specified recipients.

Page 2 of 2

As set in the project specification prepared by the Highland Council Planning and Devel- opment Service Archaeology Unit (Appendix II) the objective was :

- to identify the location, nature and extent of any features or objects of archaeological importance that would be damaged or destroyed by this project; to assess the likelihood of buried as well as surface remains, and indicate any areas of particular sensitivity;

- to propose arrangements for the safeguarding where possible (or recording where necessary) of any archaeological features or finds identified: all arrangements to be agreed by the Senior Archaeologist before the start of site clearance works;

- to ensure that the needs for archaeological conservation and recording are met without causing any unnecessary delay or disturbance to the project.

This enquiry examines the patterning of the historical and archaeological landscape in order to identify areas of archaeological significance. Although the recorded archaeology within the development area is limited, there is important archaeology in the surrounding area suggesting a potential for unrecorded sub-surface sites and remains within the development area which could be damaged or destroyed. Therefore, in line with The National Planning Policy Guideline on Archaeology and Planning (NPPG5) an archaeological evaluation was required in advance of determination of planning permission to allow an informed decision to be made on the likely impact of the proposal on the nature and extent of the potential archaeological/historical heritage of the area. This will allow mitigation measures to be intro- duced as necessary into any design proposal ensuring that any archaeology on site is identi- fied and recorded with minimum delay or disruption to the development, avoiding and preserving such features wherever possible or, if impracticable, ensuring they are recorded and possibly excavated by a qualified archaeologist before they are damaged or destroyed (preservation by record).

NPPG 5 stipulates that because of their extent, certain construction activities will have significant consequences for archaeological remains: this is reflected in the Confederation of British Industry Archaeological Investigations Code of Practice in by which all parties involved in development should regard archaeological sites and landscapes as a finite, highly fragile resource vulnerable to damage and destruction. Because not all archaeo- logical remains are of equal importance, three main thresholds of significance are recognised in the Guideline (NPPG 5, paras 15-31):

A) Sites of National Importance: comprising sites protected by scheduling under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act, 1979, Section 2, or as listed buildings designated under the Town and Country Planning legislation, and sites of “schedulable quality”.

There are no Scheduled Monuments that will be effected by this development. B) Sites of Regional and Local importance: which do not merit scheduling but which

Page 4 of 20 have significance within a local context. This may reflect their importance to local history, or they may be the only local example of a widespread monument type. The Ancient Monuments legislation makes provision for local authorities to protect such sites, although they cannot be scheduled other than by central government.

There are no Sites of Regional and Local importance that will be effected by this development.

C) Other sites of Lesser Importance: which may comprise component parts of a landscape rich in archaeological monuments, and thereby gain greater significance.

There are sites of Lesser Importance that will be effected by this development (see section 4).

2.3 Desk-based Assessment:

An initial analysis of all relevant archaeological records was made to determine the chrono- logical extent, quality, distribution and characteristics of settlement and landuse, and the nature and extent of factors that might mask or distort the pattern of historical or archaeologi- cal remains surviving within the development area. This research was structured to provide the basis for any informed mitigation strategies for the proposed area of development and for any theoretical working model explaining the processes determining the temporal and spatial patterning of any historical and archaeological remain. The results are reported in section 4 below.

The relevant archaeological/historical records, maps and aerial photographs included:

- The Highland Council Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) and aerial photographic collection in Inverness - The National Monuments Record of Scotland (NMRS) aerial photographic collection in Edinburgh - The Map Library of the National Library of Scotland Internet site - The Highland Council Reference Library and Archives in Inverness - Historic Scotland in Edinburgh

- I wish to thank the staff of these organisations for their kind help and valuable advice.

2.4 Cartographic History

Page 5 of 20 Early maps (pre-1800):

Blaeu, J., 1654, ‘Braid-Allaban, Atholia, Marria Svperior, Badenocha, Strath-Spea, Lochabria’ (Plate 31) : shows ‘Avimor’ and ‘Bulladern’ with ‘Kinchardy’ further north Pont, T., c.1583-1601, ‘All Straspey in Mapp' (Pont 6) amended (by Gordon?) : shows ‘Auvimoir’ in two places with Belladyirin’ or ‘Belladyr’ nearby. ‘Kyinchardy’ is also shown. Gordon, R., 1636-52, ‘Aberdeen, Banf, Murrey &c. to Inverness: [and] Fra the north water to Ross’ (Gordon 25); A detailed map including Glenmore (Gordon 5). : shows the same sites as Gordon’s map on which it is based, ‘Avimor’ ‘Bulladern’ and ‘Kinchardy’ Moll, H., 1745, ‘The Shires of Moray and Nairn’ : shows nothing between ‘Avymoir’ and ‘Kinchurdie’. Roy, W., 1747-55 Military Survey, Sheets 26/4, 27/2. : shows settlements at ‘Dallifaber’ and ‘Dell of Grainess’ with rig and furrow around them. A road leads from the Inverness road north-eastwards through Strathspey. See map 2 page 8. Taylor, G. & Skinner, A., 1776, ‘The Road from Dalnacardach to Aviemore’, Plate 22 - ‘The Road from Fochabers to Aviemore’, Plate 59 in Survey and maps of the roads of North Britain or Scotland : show Aviemore Inn and the road to Fochabers branching off north-east from the road to Inverness. Only Kinchurdy is shown on the east side of the road. Thompson J 1830 ‘Nairn and Elgin’ : shows Aviemore with Aviemore Inn and the road to Grantown branching off from the road to Inverness.

Relevant Estate plans held in the National Archives of Scotland:

RHP 2737: William Anderson, 1756. ‘Marches betwixt the Duke of Gordon’s Lands of Kincardine and Glenmore with Sir Lodwick Grant’s Lands of Gerton, Tulloch, Glen Avin & Rothymurchus and all the Boundings of Kincardine and Glenmore’ shows a settlement of three buildings, one with an enclosure attached at Dalachar directly opposite the field boundary on the east side of the River Spey.

RHP 13912: Lewis Sinclair, 1801. ‘Plan of the lands of Kinchurdy and Grenish’. ‘The line of a new road betwixt Aviemore and Dunmulie’ is shown branching off northeastwards from the old road.

RHP 13923: George Brown, 1809. ‘Plan of Bulladern, Aviemore and Grenish lying in the Parish of Duthill’.The development area is depicted south of a burn flowing into the Spey. ‘Delfabre’ farmhouse is shown as one a long building aligned N-S with two small extensions on its east side, a separate building to the south and a separate ‘Yard’ to the south-east. The land to the south, west and north of Dalfaber is described as ‘Moor ground with poor pasture, Common to the Davoch of Aviemore’. The land to the east, along the Spey, is described as

Page 6 of 20 ‘Pretty good land of Delfabre’ with a small area of ‘Moor and bushes’. An arable field called ‘Dalenean’ lies on the south side of the burn, beside the Spey. Between this field and the road to Grantown is another field, ‘Toumandour’ described as ‘Moor ground [which] has been laboured [ie, cultivated]’.

RHP 14030: George C Mackay, 1860s. ‘Farms of Delfabre. Milton of Aviemore and Easter Aviemore’ Dalfaber is shown as four buildings and Dalgranish three buildings surrounded by arable ground A track, bounded on its east side by a wall, is shown on the west side of Dalgranish, extending from a bridge over the burn northwards to the railway line.

Modern maps:

OS First Edition map 1875: shows Dalfaber as four buildings and two enclosures, and Dalgranish as four buildings and one enclosure. Lochan Bain Ferry is shown, as are two tracks. See map 1 page 8 OS Second Edition map 1901: shows Dalfaber consisting of an L-shaped building and five separate buildings, including one circular building. OS 1973 map: Dalfaber comprised three buildings, the main building having another range added to it, forming a U-shaped building.

2.5 Aerial Photographs

The oblique and vertical aerial photographs from the Air Photographs Collection held by the RCAHMS (including RAF World War II & National Survey 1944-1950) confirmed the details of the later maps:

Vertical aerial photographs:

1948 - 541/A/433 4057-4059 27/4/1948. - the track is visible, but there is no trace of the former settlement of Dalgranish. 1966 - OS/66/151 072-073, 087-088 18/7/1966. - the track is less visible 1966 - 64188 107-108 15/10/1988. - trees or bushes are encroaching on the ground around Dalgranish

Oblique aerial photographs:

Colour slides by Jill Harden in 1989, Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, Dalfaber cropmarks site NH91SW16, NGR 907 136 B 80397 CS, B 80398 CS, B 80399 CS

Prints from these three aerial photograph slides were purchased from the NMRS for this survey and are enclosed with the Highland Council’s copy of this report for filing in the SMR.

Page 7 of 20

2.6 Previous Work

Unlike many parts of the Highlands this area has received regular attention in recent years. As well as the Aerial survey by Jill Harden in 1989 for Inverness Museum & Art Gallery, there have been frequent field visits. Field surveys to the north of the development site at Kinchurdy found two hut circles (Harden and Gourlay 1986) and an enclosure and two small cairns (ESA management survey for Historic Scotland, Wordsworth 1997). An archaeological management survey of Granish Farm was carried out on behalf of Historic Scotland by AOC (Scotland) Ltd. in 1996. Ann Wakeling made site visits for the Highland Council in 1996 and 1999. In 2000 an archaeological watching brief (Sponsored by Highland Council Countryside Section) on the construction of the Strathspey Way revealed two areas of rig and furrow and a trackway (Farrell 2000). The whole area to the north and west of the development site upto the banks of the Spey were extensively surveyed and partially excavated by SUAT in 2004. Site visits, including photographs, were made by J Aitken for The Highland Archaeology Challenge in 2004.

2.7 Walk-over survey and photographic record.

A walk over survey of the project area was needed to identify any upstanding remains (from any period - including 19th and 20th century features of historic interest, such as military or industrial archaeology). All significant features were photographed and the features marked on a relevant-scale plan, keyed by means of Grid References to the Ordnance Survey mapping.

The walk over was conducted on a bright, dry sunny day; the light was good for visibility of ground features although much of the area was covered in long grass and ferns. The site showed no traces of any archaeological features, and the potential of much of it looked very unpromising, - however, it is the association of nearby sites and the history of the immediate area that suggested there may be valuable subsurface features.

The plot, as illustrated by the plan provided by Mr Euan Mowat of LDG-GSS, is roughly a rectangle 200m east-west by 340m north-south. It has an uneven surface; vegetation is untended scrubby gorse, ferns and heather. The were numerous rabbit burrows and some mole hills, which suggests the soil is fairly healthy with an earth worm population, suggest- ing the possibility of some agricultural activity, but inspection of these molehills revealed no occupation or artifact traces, nor did I see any stratigraphy.

It can not be claimed that the proposed plot is in an area of natural beauty or tourist potential: nor can it be claimed that building will have a significant affect any archaeology.

Page 9 of 20 2.8 Trial Trenching

Trial trenches were excavated under the direction of the author to provide a sample of at least 5% of the total site area. The primary location of 25 trenches was governed by the results of the desk-based research and the walkover survey to target potential archaeological features: their locations are accurately plotted on the 1:1,000 scale site plan provided by LDG-GSS (enclosed with the Archaeology Unit’s copy of this report) and shown in Illustration 3 on page 11 and listed in Table 1 on page 12. Mr Donny McLeod, a geological surveyor for LDG-GSS, accompanied me during the excavations and I wish to thank him for his patience and assistance.

Mr McLeod’s task was to excavate and geologically sample deep pits in all parts of the site (including areas to the south of this plot which are outwith the scope of this brief) to assess its suitability for house building. Due to the topography, vegetation, tree cover and drainage of the site (see photograph 12, appendix I, showing site of trench TP28) it was clear that the archaeological and geological interests largely coincided and that it was sensible to jointly select most of the test pit locations. The exceptions were linear trenches HR1 and TP52 which were sited to investigate the nature of the trackway running north from Dalfaber farmhouse (SMR no. NH91SW0045, see gazetteer in section 4); and trenches TP24, TP25 and TP40 which were located in the most level areas where Roy’s map (section 2.4 above) suggested we may find traces of cultivation.

The trial trenching was conducted over three days from 9th-11th August 2004: except for short spells of sun shine the weather was extreme, with heavy rain and very bad light. The trenches covered the development area spatially with a mixture of linear and box shaped trenches. All stripping of soil was done by a single JCB under archaeological supervision: a smooth-bladed bucket was used to remove the topsoil of each group of trenches, then changed for a toothed bucket to dig the deep geological pits.

This area revealed no features of archaeological significance. The soil conditions were uniformly poor, with topsoil (varying in depth depending on the undulations in the terrain) of glacial till and deep sand under river-borne deposits formed by the flooding of the River Spey. This topsoil was good brown forest soil but very shallow; under this was 5-10cms of wet peat; under the peat was a sharp horizon formed by a crust of iron pan over deep clean sand. To the northwest of this area is a silted-up stream gully meandering from the N to the NW of the field where the topsoil was a little thicker.

There were no significant artifact finds or discoveries, nor was there any traces of agricultural activity (trenches TP25, TP25 and TP40, photographs 1, 2, 3 in appendix I). The alleged trackway (SMR no. NH91SW0045) was sectioned in two places where it was most prominent (photographs 4 and 6 site of trench TP52, photograph 5 site of trench HR1) - but no structure or stratigraphy was found (photographs 7, 8, 9) in either plan or section which would require any plans or drawings. From this I conclude that the trackway is not a construction, it is a farm track formed by customary use and not a military road.

Page 10 of 20

Table 1: Summary of trenches and photographs

Trench NGR Size Photograph

TP 57 90560 13920 2 m x 2 m - TP 52 90511 13860 15 m x 2 m Report Photos 4, 6, 7, 8 Digital - Dalfaber 004, 006, 008.tif TP 50 90525 13891 2 m x 2 m - TP 49 90589 13862 2 m x 2 m - TP 48 90550 13860 2 m x 2 m - TP 47 90555 13855 2 m x 2 m - TP 46 90511 13843 2 m x 2 m - TP 45 90464 13792 2 m x 2 m - TP 44 90530 13820 2 m x 2 m - TP 43 90515 13742 2 m x 2 m - TP 42 90525 13715 2 m x 2 m - TP 41 90627 13744 2 m x 2 m - TP 40 90663 13704 10 m x 2 m Report Photo 3; Digital - Dalfaber 003.tif TP 39 90622 13698 2 m x 2 m - TP 35 90478 13743 2 m x 2 m - TP 34 90455 13772 2 m x 2 m - TP 33 90412 13766 2 m x 2 m - TP 32 90378 13746 2 m x 2 m - TP 30 90420 13712 2 m x 2 m - TP 29 90464 13680 2 m x 2 m - TP 28 90512 13647 2 m x 2 m Report Photo 12; Digital - P048.tif TP 26 90701 13659 2 m x 2 m - TP 25 90604 13529 2 m x 6 m - TP 24 90652 13561 70 m x 2 m Report Photos 1, 2 Digital - Dalfaber 001, 002.tif HR 1 90625 13777 10 m x 2 m Report Photos 5, 9 Digital - Dalfaber 005, 013.tiff

Page 12 3 THE PRESENT LANDSCAPE OF AND ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Topography

The present-day highland valley settlement geography comprises pockets of comparatively higher-quality land supporting dispersed clusters of settlement. Separating these valleys are extensive tracts of hilly rough pasture and mountainous land incised by generally northwest to southeast trending straths. Although this pattern reflects the distortions of the demographic and economic upheavals of the last two hundred years, the physical landscape remains the dominant factor in the human geography. The nature of that relationship is important in the understanding of the constraints and changes in the settlement pattern within landscape over time.

The River Spey and its valley runs roughly SW to SE with the modern A 9 trunk road running northwards on the west bank of this stretch of the river. Aviemore is surrounded by rugged hills and mountains. It was settled with large estates and scattered farms principally devoted to sheep and cattle, with pasture land flanking the winding river.

3.2 Geology

The British Geological Survey Maps of Scotland (1978) 1:50,000 Sheet 74 (E) for Aviemore shows the area to consist of Metamorphic and Metasedimentary Rocks of the Grampian Group. Dalfaber, situated to the west of the Ericht-Laidon Fault, overlies subordinate semipe- lite and rare calcsilicate ribs locally micaceous with hornfelsed rock.

Glaciation is the dominant landscape-forming process: from the Late Devensian (Dimlington Stadial) period some 25,000-15,000 years BP an ice-sheet crossed the region from the west, deepening the drainage pattern and overtopping the comparatively low hills. A thin skin of till was deposited over nearly all rock surfaces forming the parent material for most soils. In the valley bottom fluvioglacial debris is prevalent as now-eroded terraces and hummocks. Deglaciation began by 13,000, and despite the Loch Lomond Stadial (11,000-10,300 BP) no glaciers formed in the subdued uplands. Tills and fluvioglacial deposits were disturbed by the periglacial climatic conditions, and soils were stripped from hillsides by intense solifluctial processes.

3.3 Soils and landuse

Soil survey (Macaulay 1982, Sheet 5, NW Grampian Highlands, Monadhiliath Mountains) classifies the area as Group 3, with alluvium and alluvial terrace deposits. Where this land has been drained and cultivated it supports a moderate range of crops ranging from high yields of cereals and grasses to moderate yields of potatoes, vegetables and root crops, while pastures of short grasses and leys are common; otherwise vegetation is dominated by rough pasture. This was the character of much of Dalfaber Farm from its Post-Clearance origins to modern times (NSA 1840-45, p16).

Page 13 of 20 4 The Settlement History, Archaeological and Historical Background

In the uplands of northern and western Scotland the survival and quality of preservation of monuments of most archaeological and historical periods and types is high compared to most of Britain and Europe: it is only rivaled in other underpopulated regions (such as north- ern Norway or western Ireland) where intensive agriculture has been in certain historical times and geographical areas been either discouraged, retarded or short-lived: Aviemore is one such area. Like many areas of the north and west highlands it has long been the type of semi-isolated, economic mini-region that has shaped the historical and political character of the region and its people

The present settlement pattern, with its motorway and hotels may appear modern but it is post-medieval in origin. Almost all the farm buildings are of 19th century date with 20th century renovations and replacements, but there are extensive local remains of medieval and post-medieval rural settlement, as well as prehistoric hut circles and cairns which suggests the possibility that other prehistoric remains may survive in the proposed development area.

Its particular economic history has produced a selective archaeological sample of its settle- ment that can only be properly appreciated by understanding how and why it was both created and survived.: briefly this consists of pre- and post-Clearance settlements with marginal areas of occupation indicated by remains of earlier phases of habitation and landuse, i.e. Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age farming. It would thus appear that these surviving remains suggest settlement began in the Neolithic or Bronze Age (perhaps about 1,000 BC) and both the upper and lower valley land were colonised by the Iron Age (until about 500 AD); after which there is little evidence of any settlement until the present pattern was imposed. By 1700 local Highland economies were already adjusting to growing commercial forces. In particular, the development of the cattle trade was taking place during the 17th century. Small tenant settlements grew mainly oats with some bere (barley). Upland settlements tended not only to place more emphasis on livestock but also to grow more oats. The trend towards commercial livestock farming was matched by population growth on small tenant settlements, which appears to have accelerated from about 1740. By 1755 Roy’s Military Survey of Scotland map depicts the whole of the valley farm land under rig fields

The National Monuments Record (NMR) in Edinburgh and the Highland Council Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) in Inverness contain details of all known archaeological sites in the area surveyed, and from these sources the following gazetteer of local sites was composed - however it must be emphasised that these never claim to be comprehensive records of all existing sites - the highlands are a huge, remote area and typically desk research and field survey can be expected to discover new sites, reveal new insights and interpretations, and suggest further lines of inquiry: due to the potential destruction of any (if not all) archaeological evidence that the nature of construction work entails, these further lines of inquiry may be of sufficient significance to result in recommendations that further investigation is carried out before building begins.

Page 14 of 20 These sites form a significant archaeological landscape, showing pre- and post-improvement agricultural remains associated with settlements at Aviemore, Dalgranish, Dalachar and Dalfaber. These settlements were linked by a network of tracks, some of which were formerly major roads. The route of the ‘Military Road’ to Grantown is unclear. Identifying the former routes shown on maps in the 18th and 19th centuries is difficult, the landscape having been altered as a result of the growth of Aviemore and the construction of the railways, but it seems clear that this ‘Military Road’ (not to be confused with ‘General Wade’s Military Road’ which lies further to the west) did not pass through Dalfaber, but lay further west (Aviemore-Dalfaber trackway - SMR no. NH91SW0045 NGR 90440 14050 - 90560 14400) - trial trenching revealed no evidence of road structure and indicates that this is a farm track.

Although much of the proposed development site seems to have been rough pasture, early maps show former cultivation in the form of rig and furrow. Evidence of former pastoral farming is also evident in the cropmarks at Dalfaber Farm, which may have been cattle feeders - however this site lies outwith the present site as the grid reference was inaccurate (see gazetteer below Dalfaber SMR no. NH91SW0015; NMR no. NH91SW16: Cropmarks; NGR: 90700 13600) - this site appeared to lie within the development area, but it was found to have an estimated six figure NGR. The AP print shows the cropmarks to lie outside the area at 9076 1366 and to have been destroyed by the golf course development.

The application area revealed no archaeological remains, and during the course of the watching brief no new features were uncovered - but this watching brief provided an archaeological insight to the Aviemore area, and has provided useful information (if only negative evidence) on the development and settlement pattern of this area of Highlands.

Page 15 of 20 Summary of Gazetteer

Placename SMR Number NMR no. Site Type NGR

Knockgranish NH91SW0010 Hut Circle NH 91500 14600 NH91SW0011 Mound NH 90620 14610 NH91SW0047 Field System NH 90180 14700 NH91SW0048 Limekiln NH 90110 14780 NH91SW0072 NH91SW 24 Township NH 90200 14700 Settlement and field system NH 9018 1470 Limekiln NH 9011 1478 NH91SW0092 Building NH 90802 13722

Dalfaber NH91SW0015 NH91SW16 Cropmarks NH 90700 13600 NH91SW 58 Watching Brief NH 9050 1414 to 9103 1473 Rig and furrow NH 9067 1448 Rig and furrow NH 9058 1431 Clearance cairn NH 9044 1405

Aviemore - Dalfaber NH91SW0045 Trackway NH 90440 14050 Aviemore - Grantown NH91SW42 Military Road NH 9000 1363 to 9052 1499 9000 1302 to 9057 1499 NH81SE35 NH 8960 1249 to 8999 1363

Dalfaber Farm NH91SW0091 Farmstead NH 90726 13513

Dalgranish NH91SW0022 Cairnfield NH 91000 14600 NH91SW0023 NH92SW 39 Enclosure NH 90900 14650 Summary of Gazetteer Kinchurdy NH91SW 40 Small Cairns NH 910 146 NH91SW0038 Farmstead, Farm kiln Corn-drying Pit NH 90650 14090 NH91SW0080 Field Wall NH 90750 14450 NH91SW0081 Enclosure NH 90990 14680 NH91SW0082 Ditch, Dyke, Field Wall NH 90750 14730 to 9163 1500 NH91SW0083 Cairn NH 91450 14750 NH91SW0084 Mill lade NH 92330 14850 NH91SW0085 Cairn NH 91500 14840

Granish Croft NH91SW0041 Farmstead NH 90370 14320

Lochan Bain Ferry NH91SW0042 Ferry Slipway

Sluggangranish NH91SW 41 Farm Building NH 9033 1430

Aviemore NH81SE 1 Cairn, Stone Circle NH 8970 1347

Easter Aviemore NH81SE 14 Township NH 896 141 Gazetteer of Archaeological Sites

Knockgranish SMR no. NH91SW0010; Hut Circle; NGR: 91500 14600; Bronze Age - Iron Age; Two hut circles within an area of open birch wood were discovered. Both are small, c. 7 m diameter with grass covered walls up to 0.3 m high. Neither had well defined entrances (Harden & Gourlay 1986). SMR no. NH91SW0011; Mound; NGR: 90620 14610 A circular, flat topped sandy mound with relatively steep sides (c.30 degrees) which has the appearance of being man-made; 10-12m in diameter and 1m in height, with a number of trees growing out of it. One of several hillocks in the immediate vicinity, but this one has a distinct saucer-like profile. It is possibly the result of activity during the building of the railway, but more likely to be natural. SMR no. NH91SW0047; Field System; NGR: 90180 14700 SMR no. NH91SW0048; Industry: limekiln; NGR: 90110 14780 SMR no. NH91SW0072; NMRS no. NH91SW 24; Township; NGR: 90200 14700 What may be a small township comprising one unroofed, five roofed buildings and an enclo- sure is depicted in 1875 (OS 1875). Three roofed buildings are shown on the 1973 OS 1:10000 map (OS 1973, Wakeling 1995, Aitken 2004). An archaeological management survey of Granish Farm has carried for Historic Scotland (AOC (Scotland) Ltd 1996). - NH 9018 1470 Settlement and field system. - NH 9011 1478 Limekiln. SMR no. NH91SW0092; Building; NGR: 90802 13722; 20th Century; Building burnt down. (Wakeling 1995, Aitken 2004).

Dalfaber SMR no. NH91SW0015; NMR no. NH91SW16: Cropmarks; NGR: 90700 13600 Air photographs show what are presumably the cropmarks of feed bins c.150 m NNE of Dalfaber farm. They are circular in form and may just possibly be due to archaeological rather than agricultural practices (Harden 1989). - this site appeared to lie within the development area, but it was found to have an estimated six figure NGR. The AP print shows the cropmarks to lie outside the area at 9076 1366 and to have been destroyed by the golf course development.

Aviemore-Dalfaber - SMR no. NH91SW0045; Trackway; NGR 90440 14050 - 90560 14400 A trackway beside the old road to Grantown, just to the north of a new housing development. At present, it finishes at the railway. On the west side of the track is a low bank formed from small rounded stones. On the east side is a ditch, with a substantial bank, c.1.0 m high and largely composed of turf on the outside of this. The trackway is shown on an estate plan of 1809 (RHP 13923) (Wakeling 1995 and 1999). - trial trenching reveals no evidence of road structure and indicates that this is a farm track.

Dalfaber Farm - SMR no. NH91SW0091; Farmstead; NGR: 90726 13513; 19th Century; In 1860s (RHP 14030 Dalfaber is shown as four buildings. The Farm house may be converted to Golf Clubhouse. Steading - stone built, walls 0.5 m thick, slate roof. Several of the workshop/ tractor sheds and lean to additions were noted to be 'sleeper' built, as was the hen house (Wakeling 1995; Aitken 2004).

Page 16 of 20 Watching Brief: NMRS no. NH91SW 58; NGR NH 9050 1414 to 9103 1473 A watching brief during the excavation for a pathway as part of the Speyside Way (the line of the path lying in the vicinity of a number of known archaeological sites) revealed two areas of rig and furrow at NH 9067 1448 and NH 9058 1431. Both areas were not visible on the surface before the commencement of work. The area of rig and furrow at NH 9058 1431 was cut by a post-medieval trackway. The rig and furrow is likely to be medieval in date. Also found was a possible clearance cairn at NH 9044 1405 (Farrell 2000).

Dalgranish SMR no. NH91SW0022; Cairnfield; NGR: 91000 14600; Neolithic. Walkover Survey found two severely damaged stone cairns lie near the N edge of this field 80 m SE of the fence corner at site 6. They survive to a height of c.0.5 m and some 2-3 m diameter. They are partly covered by soil. Their function is unknown though they may be stone clearance heaps (Wordsworth 1996, Site 7). SMR no. NH91SW0023; NMR no. NH92SW 39; Enclosure; NGR: 90900 14650 Walkover Survey found a small stub of walling 24m long was noted extending from the edge of the modern fence close to the NW corner of the farm at this southern end. This was inter- preted as the E side of a rectangular enclosure 20m wide, the majority of which lies outside the present farm. According to Mr Adams the remains of buildings can be seen in the wood further to the W, well outside the modern farm boundary. Nothing was shown here in 1875 (OS 1875; Wordsworth 1996, Site 6 ). SMR no. NH91SW0038; Farmstead; Farm kiln, corn-drying; Pit; NGR: 90650 14090 Three buildings depicted (and named) on the OS 1st edition map and in 1860s (RHP 13923) Dalgranish is shown as three buildings surrounded by arable ground. A track, bounded on its east side by a wall, is shown on the west side of Dalgranish, extending from a bridge over the burn northwards to the railway line. Two buildings, probably a house and byre, along with a corn-drying kiln and a pit survive in birch woodland (Wakeling 1999). SMR no. NH91SW0080; Field Wall; NGR: 90750 14450 The remains of a field wall, running alongside a modern fence, bounding an area of Improved grassland (Wakeling 1999). SMR no. NH91SW0081; Enclosure; NGR: 90990 14680 An L-shaped enclosure, in deep heather, lying between two tracks running roughly NW. (Wakeling 2000). SMR no. NH91SW0082; Ditch; Dyke; Field Wall; NGR: 90750 14730 A linear feature, comprising a dyke, wall and ditch, running east before curving north at 9145 1472 to finish at 9163 1500. It is cut by the railway (Wakeling 2000). SMR no. NH91SW0083; Cairn; NGR: 91450 14750; Neolithic. A cairn lying 20m north of the dyke, NH91SW0082, on the summit of a ridge (Wakeling 2000). SMR no. NH91SW0084; Mill lade; NGR: 92330 14850 A channel, which might be a mill lade, leading from an unnamed lochan. (Wakeling 2000). SMR no. NH91SW0085; Cairn; NGR: 91500 14840; Neolithic. Two cairns, 45m west of the dyke, NH91SW0082. Both lie amidst birch trees and are moss- covered (Wakeling 2000).

Granish Croft, Aviemore - SMR no. NH91SW0041; Farmstead; NGR: 90370 14320

Page 17 of 20 Three Post Medieval buildings are noted in 1875 and four shown in 1902 (OS 1875, OS 1902). Three-quarters of the outline of a croft survives on the ground. The site lies in a clear- ing amid thick birch trees and some aspen (Wakeling 1996 and 1999).

Lochan Bain Ferry - SMR no. NH91SW0042; Ferry; Slipway; NGR: 90810 13750 This ferry appears on both RHP 2737, dated 1756, and the OS 1st edition map (1867), where a house and a wall around the croft is shown. The house is not shown in 1903 (OS 1903). On the Dalfaber side, a landing place (NH 9081 1375) is visible as a break in the levee, which has now become a cattle watering-place and is eroding. On the Pityoulish side, the founda- tions of a house are visible on top of a flood bank alongside the march dyke, 50 m from the river bank (Wakeling 1996 and 1999).

Sluggangranish Building: NMRS no. NH91SW 41; NGR NH 9033 1430 An archaeological management survey of Granish Farm was carried out on behalf of Historic Scotland. AOC (Scotland) Ltd 1996.

Aviemore - Grantown Military Road NMRS no. NH91SW 42; NGR NH 9000 1363 to 9052 1499 or 9000 1302 to 9057 1499. The military road presumably follows the main Inverness railway line (Taylor 1976). NH 9000 1363 to NH 9052 1499 no trace. There are two possible routes suggested on record cards held by the RCAHMS. Either the military road followed the railway line or it may have headed NE through the golf course and then run N across the Strathspey Railway line to Dalfaber. There are a few stretches of grass track of undetermined date visible along this route (Logie 1997). NMRS no. NH81SE35; NGR NH 8960 1249 to 8999 1363. It is presumed that the military road followed the line of the railway (Taylor 1976). NH 8960 1257 to NH 8999 1363 no trace. Possible course of road. The vicinity of NH 8960 1249 appears to be the location of the junction with the Dunkeld to Inverness military road. According to suggestions on record cards held by the RCAHMS it is possible that it followed the railway line or alternatively it may have headed NE towards the golf course (Logie 1997).

Aviemore Cairn: Ring; Stone Circle; NMRS no. NH81SE 1; NGR NH 8970 1347 A Clava ring cairn is shown in 1903 (OS 1903). There is very little cairn material left, and the central area seems to have been disturbed. The outer kerb is almost complete, with a diameter of 42' feet and slight traces of a bank against the outside; only 5 of the inner ring stones are now visible. The outer ring of monoliths now consists of 4 stones set about 17 ft. from the kerb, but there were 7 in 1877 (Grant 1885). A cup-marked stone is said to have been found at the base of one of the monoliths, but there is no evidence of it today (Stuart 1870; Cash 1906). A Clava-type ring cairn, as described and planned by Henshall (Henshall 1963) except that only three stones now remain of the perimeter of the chamber.

Easter Aviemore Township; NMRS no. NH81SE 14; NGR NH 896 141 A township comprising five unroofed, twenty-one roofed buildings and six enclosures is depicted in 1875 (OS 1875, sheet lviii) and fourteen roofed buildings are shown in 1986 (OS 1986).

Page 18 of 20 5 Bibliography

AOC (Scotland) Ltd.., 1996, `Granish Farm ( and Rothiemurchus parish), survey', Discovery and Excavation, Scotland, 1996, 62-63 British Geological Survey, 1978, Geological Map of Scotland 1:50,000 series, Sheet 5, NW Grampian Highlands, Monadhiliath Mountains Burl, A., 1976, The stone circles of the British Isles, London and New Haven, 358 Cash, C.G., 1906, 'Stone circles at Grenish, Aviemore, and Delfour, Strathspey', Proc Soc Antiq Scot, 40, 1905-6, 249-50 Farrell, S., 2000, 'Dalfaber, Highland (Duthil & Rothiemurchus parish), watching brief', Discovery and Excavation, Scotland, 1, 2000, 51 Grant, 1885, 'Stone circles and other ancient remains in Strathspey', Trans Inverness Sci Soc Field Club, 1, 1875-80, 55-56 Harden, G. & Gourlay, R., 1986, ‘Knockgranish’, Discovery and Excavation, Scotland 1986, 16 Henshall, A.S., 1963, The chambered tombs of Scotland, 1, Edinburgh, 360-1, INV 6 Logie, M, 1997, Highland Council Report NMRS MS 1007/7. Macaulay Institute for Soil Research, 1982, Soil Survey of Scotland: Northern Scotland: Report with 1:250,000 map Sheet 74 (E) for Aviemore, University of Aberdeen Press Ordanance Survey, 1874, First Edition 1:2,500 map, Inverness-shire, Sheet LIX.9, Abernethy & Kincardine & Duthil and Rothiemurchus Parishes - 1874, First Edition 1:10560 map, Inverness-shire, Sheet LIX - 1875, First Edition 1:2,500 map, Inverness-shire, Sheets LVIII.12 & 16, Duthil and Rothiemurchus & Parishes - 1901, Second Edition 1:2,500 map, Inverness-shire, Sheets LVIII 12 & 16, LIX 9 - 1902, Second Edition 1:10,560 map, Inverness-shire, Sheet LVIII - 1903, Second Edition 1:10,560 map, Inverness-shire, Sheet LIX - 1973, 1:10,000 map, Sheet NH 91 SW Stuart, J., 1870, 'Notice of cists and other remains discovered in "Cairn Curr", on the farm of Warrackstone, in Aberdeenshire', Proc Soc Antiq Scot, 7, 1866-8, 303 Taylor, W., 1976, The military roads in Scotland, Newton Abbot, 165 Thom, A.S. & Burl, A., ,1980, Megalithic rings: plans and data for 229 monuments in Britain, Brit Archaeol Rep, BAR British, 81, Oxford, 258-59 Wordsworth, J., 1997 'Kinchurdy Farm, (Duthil & Rothiemurchus parish), ESA management survey', Discovery and Excavation, Scotland, 1997, 46

Page 19 of 20 6 RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the research and survey described above it is my opinion that while no further work is required in the specified development area, should Dalfaber farmhouse and/or its steading (photographs 10 and 11) be considered for demolition as part of the golf course development then they should be recorded by a building survey. Neither building appears to have been included in recent surveys of the area and are in poor repair - the farmhouse is bricked up and parts of it appear to have been damaged by fire.

Page 20 of 20

Photograph Register - digital .TIF files on CD

Photograph 1 Dalfaber 001.tif Trench TP 24

Photograph 2 Dalfaber 002.tif Trench TP 24 - looking ESE

Photograph 3 Dalfaber 003.tif Trench TP 40 - looking SE

Photograph 4 Dalfaber 004.tif Site of trench TP 52 looking SE showing route of trackway

Photograph 5 Dalfaber 005.tif Site of trench HR 1 cutting track in the foreground and running down the slope into an area of nettles.

Photograph 6 Dalfaber 006.tif Site of trench TP 52 showing route of trackway looking SE

Photograph 7 Dalfaber 008.tif Trench TP 52 - looking WNW - backfilled HR 1 in background

Photograph 8 Dalfaber 012.tiff Trench TP 52 - looking NE

Photograph 9 Dalfaber 013.tif Trench HR 1

Photograph 10 Dalfaber-91.tif Farmhouse looking NW

Photograph 11 Dalfaber-93.tif Old stock & equipment store

Photograph 12 P048.tif Showing location of trench TP 28 and illustrating ground cover of birch trees in rough pasture