Balnatink Archaeological Walkover Survey

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

Balnatink

Archaeological Walkover Survey

REPORT

Site Number AN25 OS Grid Reference ND Author Pete Higgins Date Produced 29/12/2011 Date revised 30/1/2012

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report Summary Archaeology North Ltd was commissioned by Mr Magnus Henderson to undertake a desk- based assessment and walkover survey in advance of a woodland planting scheme.

Several important archaeological sites were noted in the vicinity but no significant archaeological deposits or features were found in the proposed planting areas.

The impact of the planting scheme on the setting of neighbouring brochs was considered, and a possible adverse impact noted when trees mature in one planting area. Mitigation by a long term management plan is proposed.

Cover photograph shows abandoned croft house, B3, with proposed planting area G2 beyond.

COPYRIGHT Copyright of this report remains with Archaeology North Ltd. However, an exclusive licence is hereby granted to the client in all matters directly relating to the project. Should the client wish copyright to be assigned to them, Archaeology North Ltd will retain the right to be identified as the author of this report.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. As part of a proposed woodland planting scheme an archaeological desk-based assessment and walkover survey was conducted of three areas within the croft of Balnatink, Dunbeath, Caithness.

1.2. The project, so far as was possible, identified and recorded the archaeological potential of the three areas. It comprised a desk-based assessment of the known archaeological resource, a walkover survey of the proposed planting areas, and the production and dissemination of this report.

1.3. An online digital version of this report may be found on the OASIS website at http://www.oasis.ac.uk/form/formctl.cfm?oid=archaeol21-116383.

2. AIM AND LIMITATIONS

2.1. The aim of the project was to establish the possible impact of the planting scheme on the archaeological resource.

2.2. The project was conducted in accordance with the Institute for Archaeologist’s Code of Conduct (2010), Standard and Guidance for Archaeological Desk-based Assessment (2008), and Standard and Guidance for an Archaeological Watching Brief (2008).

2.3. The author is confident that this report reflects the extent of the known archaeological resource and assesses the impact of the proposed planting scheme on that resource, so far as these can be determined by a walkover survey and desk- based. It remains possible that buried or concealed remains not identified in this study exist in the study areas.

3. SITE LOCATION, DESCRIPTION, AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION

3.1. The site lies in the basin of Dunbeath Water, between the Burn of Houstry and Allt na Learanaich; the Bridge of Rhemullen is to the southeast. The centroids of three areas proposed for planting are : G1 at ND 14934 31422 G2 at ND 15100 31461 G3 at ND 15469 31000

3.2. All three areas have been selected for tree planting because of their relatively poor potential for grass production.

3.3. G1 is a boggy area at the north-western corner of the croft. Vegetation is mainly rushes with areas of moss and grass. The area is used as a source of gravel and stone for the croft; several small modern, machine-excavated pits were open at the time of the fieldwork, and more were partly or completely back-filled. A small watercourse

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report flows though the north-western part of the area. One raised area was noted but appears to be a natural feature composed of gravel.

3.4. G2 lies to the east of a former croft house, see B3 in 6.2.1 below. The area itself is boggy, with grass and rush predominating although at least one area of probable active peat formation was noted; it had been partly excavated to provide peat for a garden.

3.5. G3 lies in the southeast of the croft and comprises part of the bank of the Burn of Houstry. The bank is steep in the north, next to the Bridge of Rhemullen, but there is a small almost level plateau about halfway down the bank in the south of the area. The upper parts have been ploughed within the last few years.

3.6. The British Geological Survey shows the superficial geology as unrecorded, although the steeper parts of G3 are shown as alluvial deposits; the underlying geology is the Berriedale sandstone formation, comprising siltstone, mudstone and sandstone.

3.7. The name Balnatink is rendered as ‘Baile nan Ceàrd’ in http://www.linguae- celticae.org/dateien/1891_GLP_011_Iubhsraigh.pdf. Roughly translated this gives the township of the smith or craftsman.

Figure 1 Plan of proposed planting areas

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

Figure 2 Google Earth image dated 1/1/2004. Approximate boundaries of G1 and G2 shown in red. Location of broch SAM574 (MHG1140) in blue.

Figure 3 Google Earth image dated 1/1/2004. Approximate boundaries of G3 shown in red. Location of broch SAM5088 (MHG1139) in blue.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

4. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

4.1. Scottish Planning Policy (SPP)1, Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP)2, and Planning Advice Note 2011-23 regulate the way archaeological matters are dealt with within the planning process.

4.2. The Highland Council Structure Plan 20014 sets out the ways Highland Council implements the above policies. Those immediately relevant include Identifying and Regulating the Use of Archaeological Sites (BC1); Archaeological Heritage Areas (BC3); the Integration of Environmental and Community Interests (G5); and the Conservation and Promotion of the Highland Heritage (G6).

4.3. This project falls without the framework outlined above, but is required to support a grant application. As such Archaeology North treat the project as if it were within the above framework.

4.4. Archaeology North Ltd follows the Code of Conduct of the Institute For Archaeologists (IFA). Quality of work is assured both through adherence to the standards of the IFA and through internal monitoring.

5. METHODOLOGY

5.1. Desk-based assessment. Available archival resources were reviewed and interpreted in context. The notable features found in this process are listed in gazetteer format below. The following sources were consulted:

National Monuments Record for Scotland NMRS data, maps, aerial photographs

Highland Council Historic Environment Record5 (HER)

National Library of Scotland Historic maps (before OS mapping); OS 1st edition

Historic Scotland Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings, Gardens and Designed Landscape data; Canmore; Pastmap

1 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/02/03132605/0

2 http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/shep-july-2009.pdf

3 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2011/08/04132003/1

4http://www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/planning/developmentplans/structureplan/the highlandstructureplan.htm

5 http://her.highland.gov.uk/Map.aspx?clear=true

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report 5.2. Fieldwork took place on 28 December 2011 in stormy weather. All proposed planting areas and their environs were walked over, photographs taken, and new or previously unreported sites recorded. Vegetation cover in the planting areas was still knee high, and the rain made photography a little difficult, but no serious constraints to observation were encountered so confidence in the quality of results is high.

6. RESULTS

Desk based assessment

6.1. Known sites. The Highland Council HER and the Historic Scotland Canmore databases record the survival of a large number of remains from various periods, attesting a long period of land use. Those remains within approximately 300m of the proposed planting areas are considered below, together with those important monuments standing at a greater distance which may have sight lines interrupted by the planting scheme.

PREHISTORIC

6.1.1. Two Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs 574 and 5088) are located within the croft, see figures 2 and 3. Both have been damaged by use as quarries and have attracted later accretions, for example the longhouses, MHG31272, next to SAM 5088. The study by Glasgow University, EHG98, suggests at least one of the brochs may be composed of multiple elements.

6.1.2. A possible wag (Iron Age galleried structure), MHG1141 lies between the two brochs.

6.1.3. An enclosure, MHG13572, and structure, MHG42565, are shown lying to the west of proposed planting area G1. These monuments are in a hollow, covered with vegetation and difficult to distinguish.

6.1.4. Approximately 200m to the north of G1 lie a field system, MHG1132, and a clearance cairn, MHG39560. Another clearance cairn, MHG13558, lies further to the north. All lie outwith ploughed areas to the north of the proposed planting areas, and are evidence of land use in the Neolithic or later periods.

6.1.5. A hut circle, MHG13598, and neighbouring cairn, MHG13599 at Bulno attest similar land use to the east of proposed planting area G3, while to the south similar evidence is provided by a hut circle, MHG1151, and associated system of fields, enclosure, lynchet and clearance cairns, MHG39565, MHG39566, MHG39589, MHG39590, MHG39565and MHG39591.

MEDIAEVAL AND POST-MEDIAEVAL

6.1.6. To the northeast of proposed planting area G2 the farmsteads MHG20346, MHG33324, MHG33325, MHG52813 and building MHG20236, stand within a complex of stone dykes as representatives of later land use.

6.1.7. A recent quarry, MHG43038, lies amidst the sites detailed in 6.1.6.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report 6.1.8. A previous watching brief by Archaeology North Ltd, EHG3622, failed to locate any buried archaeological deposits but recorded the presence of standing remains of a post-mediaeval farmstead, MHG55385, north of the present croft house. Many other stone structures survive in and around the croft, but none appear to have been recorded.

MULTI PERIOD

6.1.9. A complex series of sites of various periods lie along the valley and braes of Dunbeath Water some 2km to the northwest of G1. These are too numerous and distant to enumerate here but are included because G1 lies on a direct line between them and the broch SAM 574.

6.2. Map regression. Roy’s survey of the Highlands (1747-52) depicts the area around the site as cultivated, although no settlement is shown, see figure 2. Geo-referencing of Roy’s map is not precise, and the position of the site is thus difficult to establish with confidence.

Figure 4 Roy's map of 1747-52. Approximate location of site circled

6.2.1. Two sites not otherwise noted were recorded:

B3, see photos 5 and 19 and figures 5, 6, 7 and 8, is a three-chambered building with an enclosure to the north and a line of trees to the east of the enclosure, shown on the 25” and 6” OS maps surveyed in 1871. This farmstead was occupied by the present crofter’s mother but is now used as a source of stone for the rest of the croft, and an area of hard-standing has been created within the enclosure. The remains of the building are being used as a source of stone. No active demolition occurs, but when parts of the building slump the stone is re-used elsewhere on the croft, mainly for dykes A further building is shown on the 1871 mapping, but has since been demolished and its location ploughed.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

Figure 5 B3 from the southeast, 28/12/11. The location of the demolished building mentioned in 6.1.3 lies under the track in the foreground.

Figure 6 Extract of 25" OS map, surveyed 1871. Locations of B3 and B4 in blue

B4, see photo 15 and figures 6, 7 and 8, is a small, square building shown on the north of the enclosure of B3 on the 1871 OS 6 inch and 25 inch maps but not on the 1905 revision.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

Figure 7 OS 6" map, surveyed 1871, showing B3 and B4.

Figure 8 OS 6" map, surveyed 1905, showing B3 but not B4

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

6.2.2. Air photos. RCHMS records 006-005-003-658-C, 006-005-003-659-C, 006- 005-003-660-C and E40828-40833- CN 28-4-2004 all show the site, but add little to the information extracted from maps.

Walkover Survey

6.3. The walkover survey identified two sites not otherwise noted.

6.3.1. B1, see photo 9, is a stone dyke forming the southern boundary of the croft. Only that portion lying within planting area G3 was recorded. The dyke is shown on the OS 1905 map but not earlier. The croft thus appears to have been formed between 1871 and 1905.

6.3.2. B2, see photo 20, is a stone dyke running along the northern boundary of the croft. It is only intermittently visible; it is shown on the 1871 map.

6.3.3. Many other remains of stone building were observed, correlating to those shown on OS mapping of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The area is particularly rich in remains of that period, but none were noted within the proposed planting areas.

Consideration of setting

6.4. Consideration has been given to the impact of the tree planting scheme on the setting of archaeological monuments, especially the two brochs, MHG1139 and MHG1140. In keeping with the nature of the walkover survey the consideration given below is not an in-depth study and should not be treated as such.

6.5. The more northerly of the two brochs, MHG 1140, lies close to the G1 planting area and has views all around across a fairly open landscape dotted with copses and farmsteads. In particular it has a direct sight line to the complex of multi-period sites at Loedebest, see photo 12 and figure 9. This complex includes elements contemporary with MHG1140, and the view falls within the definition of a ‘strategically important view’ (after Colcutt, 1999). Although the sight line crosses G1, the latter lies in a hollow, so some years will pass before the trees grow sufficiently to impact on the view. It is difficult to estimate the period that must elapse before that impact becomes significant.

6.6. The planting area G2, on a relatively high area of the croft, will also be visible from MHG1140, but will not interrupt any important sight lines, see photo 14.

6.7. MHG1139 overlooks planting area G3, but no important sight lines will be impacted, and since G3 lies in the valley of the Burn of Houstry it will also be some years before the tops of the trees impact on the outlook from MHG1139, see photo 1.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report 6.8. Several copses of trees and stands of scrub are visible from both brochs, and form a noticeable part of the landscape. Areas of native species trees will not therefore form a new landscape element.

6.9. The sense of place evoked by the brochs will therefore not be significantly impacted until some years have passed, and then only by G1 interrupting views towards Loedebest.

6.10. No other archaeological monument was considered to be significantly impacted by the proposed planting.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

SAM1140

Figure 9 Google Earth image showing approximate location of a complex of archaeological sites at Loedebest (large blue disc) in relation to the sight line from broch SAM1140 (small blue disc) with G1 and G2 (red outlines)

7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1. The planting area G1 lies on a strategically important sight line between MHG1140 and a multi-period complex at Loedebest. However, it will not impact inter-visibility until some years have passed and the trees have matured. It is recommended that a management plan be drawn up to maintain the height of the trees at a level below the sight line.

7.2. Planting area G2 is on a relatively high part of the croft, but does not lie on any lines of sight from broch MHG1140 to nearby sites of comparable date and importance.

7.3. MHG1139 will have distant views of the G1 and G2, and the trees on G3 will only become visible after several years.

7.4. The sense of place of the two brochs, MHG1139 and MHG1140, will not be compromised.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report 8. REFERENCES Sources for assessing the impact of the development on the setting of the archaeological resource.

Black, Mairi (2005) The protection of the settings of archaeological sites in Scotland. In: 15th ICOMOS General Assembly and International Symposium: ‘Monuments and sites in their setting - conserving cultural heritage in changing townscapes and landscapes’, 17 – 21 Oct 2005, Xi'an, China.

Campbell, L (2003) Landscape Character Assessment, Landscape and Visual Impacts SNH Landscape Group. Seminar given to Scottish Executive Inquiry Reporters Unit, May 2003.

Colcutt, S. (1999) The Setting of Cultural Heritage Features, Journal of Planning Law, June, pp. 498-513.

English Heritage (2000) The Power of Place, The Future of the Historic Environment, Power of Place Office, London.

Historic Scotland (2009) Assessment of Impact on the Setting of the Historic Environment Resource – Some General Considerations, Historic Scotland, Edinburgh

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report APPENDIX 1

Sources consulted for the desk-based assessment:

The Highland Historic Environment Record (HER)

The National Monuments Record of Scotland (NMRS)

Historic Scotland’s databases of Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments and monuments proposed for scheduling

Ordnance Survey map coverage from 1st edition onwards

Cartographic sources held at the National Library of Scotland Map Library

APPENDIX 2

Gazetteer of known sites. The entries in Table 2 are taken verbatim from the Historic Environment Record (HER)

SAM means Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

Table 1 HER entries Most entries are verbatim from HER entries, but long entries have been abridged. Spelling as per HER entries. HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG668 Loedebest Township This small post medieval settlement, situated on a 72064 5230 ND Not visited low terrace of Dunbeath Water, consists of two long 14000 buildings, a kiln house with enclosure, rigs and a 31200 clearance cairn. One long house has an extra chamber on the long side, this may be a bed recess or dairy. The fireplace and chimney in the gable end of the building may suggest a late abandonment of the site. This settlement is not marked on Roy's map of 1747-52, but may be 'Clashraven' of a 1789 sasine.

Information from Historic Scotland, August 1992.

A township comprising one roofed long building, three unroofed buildings, one of which is a long building, and two enclosures is depicted on the 1st edition of OS 6-inch map (Caithness 1877, sheet xxxviii). Three unroofed buildings and two enclosures are shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10,560 map (1962).

Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 5 January 1996. MHG1132 Creag an Field system Centred ND 149 316, along SW-facing flank of a 8206 ND Not visited Fithick heather-covered ridge, is a field system of the type 14900 commonly associated with hut circles. It comprises a 31600 number of stony mounds interspersed by sinuous stretches of banking; no field plots were noted.

Visited by OS (J M) 12 November 1982.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG1139 Ballentink Broch At Ballentink, about 200 yds SSW of road bridge of 8127 5088 ND Rhemullen, on a grassy hillock, the foundations of 15320 several circular enclosures built with large stones 30980 are visible beneath the turf. Towards SE, an entrance passage has been partly exposed, passing beneath a large lintel and suggesting entrance to a broch. Dimensions and outline of such a structure are not, however, evident. Possible that the circular enclosures are secondary constructions superimposed on the ruin. RCAHMS 1911. Remains of broch with associated settlement generally as described by RCAHMS. The door- check and bar-hole are exposed at entrance at SE edge of broch mound, together with a short stretch of curved, battered walling.Visited by OS (NKB) 11 March 1968. A turf-covered, level-topped mound, approx 20m diameter and 1.6m high, in SE edge of which is visible the upper part of a broch entrance and an accompanying stretch of outside face to 3 courses high. The broch mound rises out of an irregular, more extensive mound, some 50m N-S by 40m transversely, enclosed by an early-modern field wall. The indications are that the latter mound conceals secondary occupation. Over the whole site there are superimposed footings of much later date.Visited by OS (J M) 11 November 1982. V full desc by Swanson (see file) suggests that broch is on N half of site, but identifies other later buildings incl longhouses "to W & S " of the broch - HAW 10/2002

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG1140 Rhemullen Broch About 1/4 mile NW of the Bridge of Rhemullen is a 8128 574 ND grassy knoll on which are the foundations of 15080 numerous compartments of a complex structure. The 31350 protruding stones and slabs suggest that it has been of the galleried type, but its plan is quite indefinite. On the W, at the edge of the hillock, there is exposed a portion of wall about 4ft in height which suggests a broch, but there are no other indications of such a structure, and it is possibly the outer wall of a galleried dwelling.RCAHMS 1911.A short stretch of curved drystone walling at W edge of a hummocky mound, 19m diameter, is all that remains of what is undoubtedly a broch. To SE of mound are several upright stones and slabs in disturbed ground, indicating a probable associated settlement.Resurveyed at 1:2500. Visited by OS (N K B) 11 March 1968.A turf-covered, level-topped, disturbed mound, 19m in diameter by 1.3m high, in NW edge of which is a course of stones indicating a portion of outside face of a broch. There are indications of adjacent structures on S side of broch mound, but these are too vague for measurable details. There are considerable sections of consumption walling in the region of the site.Revised at 1:2500 Visited by OS (J M) 11 November 1982.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG1141 Swanson's description of this mound is (see file 8129 ND As described ND13SE0011) "another mound that is entirely 15210 unidentifiable… there are no longer any upright 31040 structures visible"HAW 10.2002On an uncultivated rise in a field are three spaced earth-fast slabs, 0.5m high, in alignment along their broad faces. These slabs do not give appearance of having been part of an aisled or galleried dwelling but rather they suggest wall-facing remains of 18th-19th century abandoned building. There is a stony character to the rise, but this may be attributed, in part, to field clearance stone.Visited by OS (J M) 11 November 1982.(ND 1521 3104) Homestead (NR) (site of) OS 25" map, (1969)As described by RCAHMS, probably amorphous remains of a 'wag' or homestead, at ND 1521 3104.Site surveyed at 1:2500. Visited by OS (N K B) 11 March 1968.On a low mound about 120 yds W of ND13SE 11 are the indefinite and scanty remains of some structure which, judging from the upright pillars remaining, has probably been a galleried dwelling. RCAHMS 1911, visited 1910.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG1144 Dun Beath Broch A well preserved broch in a dramatic position on a 8133 546 ND 1553 3044 triangular promontory of land formed by the confluence of the Dunbeath water and the Houstry Burn. It may be the only broch mentioned in a contemporary historical document, as the Annals of Ulster for 680 records the siege of Dun Beata. Consolidated: inner face of the wall reduced and decayed stone removed, the corbelled roof of main intramural cell was rebuilt because of dangerous Victorian rebuild and entranceway was defined more clearly. Several new features revealed: a small niche was uncovered within entrance passage, presumed to be part of door structure; an alcove was revealed in W wall, apparently not part of a staircase or passage, but remained unexcavated because of presence of burnt bone and charcoal; an area of presumed collapsed wall was shown to be spoilheap from 1866 excavation. Plans and a full photographic record were made of site. Copies of these have been lodged with NMRS, HBM and the Dunbeath Preservation Trust. I Banks 1990.Relics of 19th century excavation consisted of deer horns, a section of an antler about 1 in long, chipped and ground at both ends; animal bones; fish bones and shells of edible molluscs; a piece of freestone thickly covered with indentations that had been produced by rubbing or grinding some kind of metal instrument edgewise upon it; several nodules of iron ore mixed with the animal remains, and also an iron 'spear-head' 5 ins in length. Close to wall and on clay bottom was

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number discovered a quantity of burnt grain, viz. barley and oats.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG1145 Ballachly Monastery Possible monastery site Incised stone from this site 8134 2704 ND is now in Dunbeath Heritage Centre JW 18-3-2004 15670 30350 Site visit 2/7/2003 to view excavate/overlay. Photographs. Distinct knoll beside the water, would be a good natural defensive site. There are remains of buiildings/structures on top , but too overgrown to distinguish. Large wall on lower grond off the S side of the knoll, but another also off the N side. Resistivity has identified a large circular feature to S of the knoll and E of the wall (ND13SE0170). This lies part in part out of the scheduled area - HAW 7/2003

It is possible that this could be site of 'hospital' at which English envoys were accommodated on night of 3rd October 1290, on their way N to attend reception of Maid of Norway (see ND13SE 54). B E Crawford 1982.

The massive walls of the supposed monastery are as described by previous OS field surveyor and as depicted on OS map. The evidence for a monastery at this site is very slender, based apparently on two factors: (i) tradition of pre-Reformation chapel and graveyard, and (ii) survival of what has been considered to be a precinct wall. The latter, exemplified by wall 'A', resembles a precinct wall of a formal early medieval monastery in terms of height only; a wall of dry stone construction,

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number battered and 3m high is unknown at other monastic establishments in northern Scotland, and it would be remarkable that a wall of such height could survive from Early Christian era. The site has poor defensive capability, and secluded nature of assumed enclosed area is more akin to a monastic settlement than a fortification. It is possible that the walls were built merely at whim of a local eccentric for no important purpose, and this may explain their uniqueness. Visited by OS (N K B) 15 December 1982.

Monastery (NR) (remains of) OS 1:10000 map, (1979)

This seems to be an Early Christian monastery whose church continued in use until later medieval times. It may have been associated with St Triduana since there was, apparently, a 'Croit Trolla' nearby (Beaton 1909).

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG1151 Bridge of Hut circle On both sides of road which leads from Dunbeath to 8141 ND See Rhemullen Achnaclyth, and about 1/2 mile above where 15090 MHG39565, Houstry Burn flows into Water of Dunbeath, are 30540 MHG39566 some eight or nine stony mounds varying in & diameter from 15 to 26ft, the highest having an MHG39589 elevation of about 4ft. They are situated for the most part on the lower side of the road. There are no distinct remains of hut circles among them. RCAHMS 1911.

In the area centred ND 150 306 there are two hut circles and an associated field system. The hut circles, 'A' at ND 1490 3071 and 'B' at ND 1509 3054, measure 7m and 6m in diameter respectively and survive merely as turf-covered footings. The ill- defined field system consists mainly of stone clearance heaps with some field banks and lynchets forming small fields.

Hut circles surveyed at 1:2500. Visited by OS (N K B) 25 March 1968. (A: ND 1490 3071) Hut Circle (NR) (B: ND 1509 3054) Hut Circle (NR) (Name: ND 150 306) Field System (NR) OS 25" map, (1969) A solitary hut circle (B) and associated field system. 'Hut circle' 'A' is in reality a robbed clearance heap. 'B' measures approximately 5m in diameter within a wall reduced to a turf-covered spread 2m broad by 0.2m high; the position of its entrance is not apparent. Large stone blocks have been dumped on

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number the hut. Some 8m WNW of 'B' is a clearance heap with the centre robbed which superficially resembles a hut circle or enclosure, measuring 5.5m in diameter over all and 0.3m high. The field system is generally as described by previous OS field surveyor. Revised at 1:2500. Visited by OS (JM) 11 11 1982.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG1171 Badnagie Hut circles Four hut-circles (including OS A-C), which lies in 8164 5186 ND an area of improved ground, extends along the edge 15600 of a natural terrace above E bank of the Burn of 32100 Houstry. A (ND 1560 3216). This hut-circle, which is heather and grass-grown, is set into a slight slope and measures 10.5m in diameter overall. The wall is spread 2m in thickness by no more than 0.2m in height (on the E). The entrance is on the S. B (ND 1564 3211). This hut-circle, which is situated close to the edge of the terrace and 50m SE of hut-circle A, has a very different appearance to others in group. There is little heather or grass cover on walls, which are largely of bare stones, and much stone debris is littered across interior. The hut-circle measures 12.5m in diameter within a wall spread 1.8m in thickness and up to 0.4m in height. The wall retains a well-defined inner face, which in places is three courses high. The entrance is on S, where a passageway formed of large slabs is now blocked with rubble. This rubble may derive from construction of a small enclosure outside wall on W and SW. The wall of enclosure is formed of slabs, some on edge, and for much of its course lies concentric to hut-circle, some 2.5m outside wall. The purpose of this enclosure is uncertain, and it may be of considerably later date than hut-circle. C (ND 1565 3209). This grass-grown hut-circle is situated 20m SSE of hut-circle B. It measures 13m from N to S by 10.5m transversely within a wall spread to a maximum of 2.2m in thickness and 0.2m

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number in height. There is a possible entrance on the SSE and the ?cross-wall? mentioned by the OS invisible in the E quarter of the interior. Two large stones are visible in the E arc of wall. D (ND 1560 3219 to be confirmed). The heather-grown enclosure described by OS surveyors some 30m N of hut-circle A is probably another hut-circle, which also lies at the edge of the terrace and is set into the slight slope. It measures 6.5m in diameter within a wall reduced to a bank spread 1.7m in thickness and 0.2m in height. Stones are visible along the line of the bank. There may be an entrance on the S, but this part of the bank has been disturbed. Several small cairns are visible 150m to the NE. Visited by RCAHMS (DE, IP) August 1997 Centred 1564 3211

Three hut circles (A-C). 'A', at ND 1559 3215, set in the slope, measures 7m in diameter internally, and has an entrance in the S. Its wall is visible as a heather-covered spread at most evident, in the E half, 2m broad by 0.3m high. A short distance N of the hut is a heather-covered feature, some 5m in overall diameter by 0.3 m high, resembling an enclosure of some maturity, though it may only be a disturbed stone clearance heap. 'B', at ND 1563 3211, differs from the other two huts, having markedly bare stone walling and a profusion of stone debris occupying the interior. It measures 7.4m in diameter internally; the wall retains a well- defined inner face showing in part to two courses

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number high, and has an estimated main width of 1.6m, expanding to 3m at the sides of entrance, in S. Outside and concentric with the SW quarter of the hut at a distance of 2.5m is a setting of single slabs on edge. 'C', at ND 1564 3208, measures 8.5m NNW-SSE by 6.5m transversely within a heather covered wall, 0.2m high and spread to a width of 2m. The entrance is in SSE. A cross-wall, 0.1m high and spread to a width of 1.5m, arcs across the interior of the hut; it suggests a secondary hut. 5.5m in diameter, with an entrance in common with the larger hut. No signs of associated land-use. Visited by OS (J M) 21 October 1982. MHG1248 Badnagie Burial Burial Ground (Disused): Small enclosure; three 8195 ND 15620 31840 ground people buried in 1830 that died of cholera. Name Book 1871.

Ruined walled enclosure, 6.5m square, with its NE angle contiguous with a similarly size but open- ended enclosure. In the latter is a flat grave slab, 1.8 by 0.7m. Burial ground is known locally but unable to confirm the specific enclosure.

Visited by OS (J M) 15 October 1982.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG1249 Dunbeath Suspension Small suspension footbridge, still in use - HAW 8196 ND 15486 30417 bridge 7/2003

ND13SE 73 1548 3041

Suspension bridge spanning Dunbeath Water. The first edition 6" OS map c.1877 marks a 'Ford' in this location, the footbridge is first marked on the second edition 25" OS map c.1906. It is unclear as to whether the present day bridge retains elements of the late C19 - early C20 bridge (i.e. the iron posts); the bridge now largely consists of fairly modern materials, i.e. the timber boards and the metal suspension cable are all recent additions/repairs. The area on the south side of the bridge has been artifically raised to provide a level walkway. This bridge, although not as elaborate as the suspension bridge to the east (MHG1250), does bear some slight similarities suggesting that, even if the majority of the materials have been recently replaced, it has retained its original form <1>.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG1150 Dunbeath Suspension Small suspension footbridge, still in use - HAW 8197 ND 15624 30405 bridge 7/2003

ND13SE 74 1562 3040

Cast iron suspension bridge spanning Dunbeath Water. The first edition 6" OS map c.1877 marks a 'Ford' where this tributary (a combination of Allt an Learanaich and the Burn of Houstry) meets Dunbeath Water. The footbridge is first marked on the second edition 25" OS map c.1906 as an alternative crossing point. It would appear that the iron bridge super-structure is largely original; presumably the timber boards and possibly the steel cables have been replaced over time. The bridge retains it's makers mark which is written around the circle in the cross section between the two upright posts. It reads "Wm Smith & Son Ness Iron Works". Ness Iron Works, based in Inverness, were formed in 1872 by W Smith and Son. They also built the Infirmary Footbridge in Inverness (MHG3762). A second contemporary suspension bridge of a less eleborate design lies to the west (see MHG1249) <1>.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG1265 Ballantrath Broch Situated on a rock on left bank of the Dunbeath 8218 522 ND 14390 30720 Water, just opposite the debouchment of the Achorn Burn, are the ruins of a broch. As far as can be ascertained, the diameter over all has been some 60ft. The greatest elevation, which is on the side distant from the river, is 9 or 10ft. On this side a trench appears to have been cut, isolating the portion of the rock on which the broch stands from the bank in rear of it. RCAHMS 1911, visited 1910.

All that remains of this broch is a large mound of earth and stone situated on edge of a short vertical cliff. The mound measures approx 23m NW-SE by 15m transversely and is some 3m high; a low mound of earth & stone (0.4m high) protrudes SW from broch mound for a distance of about 10m. There is a considerable amount of loose stone on top of the mound, and a stretch of outer wall of the broch, about 2m long and 0.8m high, is exposed. Traces of the ditch can be seen on NE and SE sides. Visited by OS (W D J) 27 June 1960.

As described above. Surveyed at 1:2500. Visited by OS (R L) 14 March 1968.

The remains of a broch are generally as described by the previous authorities except that there is little loose stone now to be seen. The protruding mound noted on SW is side of an old quarry hollow. Visited by OS (J M) 26 August 1982.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG13558 Braehiller Clearance ND 14800 31800 cairn MHG13559 Balantrath Clearance ND 14700 30600 cairn MHG13560 Balantrath Enclosure ND 14400 30700 MHG13561 Balantrath Building There is an area of bracken and less dense growth in ND 14400 30800 Loedebest Wood. Some stones aappear to be aligned and there is a possible corner. Much of the site is under turf and bracken cover. MHG13562 Creag an Enclosure ND 14300 31000 Fithich MHG13563 Creag an Field system ND 14300 31000 Fithich MHG13564 Balcraggie Structure ND 14050 31020 MHG13567 Balantrath Settlement ND 14550 30710 MHG13572 Loedebest Enclosure Round structure appears to be hollow inside as if it ND Barely were a house. There has been a rectangular chunk 14800 discernible cut out of it, but this appears to be a later 31300 due to occurrence. The enclosure wall is 0.5mm high and vegetation composed of stones and heather covered turf. cover MHG13574 Loedebest Field system Field bank and ditch ND 14400 31800 MHG13580 Braehiller Feature; A quarried out area of typical local stone. One area ND 14900 31800 lithic scatter has been in filled while there is a rock scatter around. MHG13598 Bulno Hut circle Basal stones in circular shape ND 15900 31250 MHG13599 Bulno Cairn This cairn is mostly overgrown and is only ND 16020 31040 detectable due to a few small scatters of stone. Oriented N-S

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG13600 Achavrole Cairn Long, narrow cairn represented by a concentration ND 16310 31220 of stones, one end of which is wider than the other. There are also some large slabs, one of which is upstanding. Oriented NNE-SSW MHG13601 Achavrole Settlement ND 16320 31250 MHG13608 Blackburn Settlement ND 15300 30200 MHG23026 Badnagie Building ND13SE 90 157 314 ND 15700 31400

An unroofed building is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map (Caithness 1877, sheet xxxix), but is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1979).

Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 17 November 1995 MHG20346 Badnagie Building ND13SE 95 155 317 ND 15500 31700

An unroofed building lying beside an area of cultivation is depicted on the 1st edition of the OS 6- inch map (Caithness 1877, sheet xxxix), but it is not shown on the current edition of the OS 1:10000 map (1979).

Information from RCAHMS (SAH) 20 November 1995

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG31272 Bridge of Longhouses Swanson in her thesis identifies longhouses " there ND Possible Rhemullen are the turf covered foundations of a number of 15322 longhouses; longhouses to the S & W of the broch, which may 30934 traces all be related chronologically to the later structures on within the broch mound" (see file ND13SE0011) - HAW scheduled 10/2002 area of MHG1139 MHG31544 Milton Watermill Millton placename. No mill marked , but cluster of ND 15373 30349 buildings S of Dunbeath water with what might be site of mill pond to SE - HAW 1/2003 MHG31607 Stell, SE of Fank "Stell" circular feature marked on 1st ed OS - HAW NH 11355 64133 Leckie 2/2003 MHG32245 Ballachly Ring ditch Large circular feature identified from resistivity ND 15664 30323 survey on lower ground below the main site and east of the large defensive wall.

This area used for excavate/overlay exhibition 2/7/2003 - see photographs - HAW 7/2003 MHG33324 Achavrole Farmstead Roofed buildings on 1st ed OS - HAW 6/2004 ND 15765 31540 MHG33325 Achavrole Farmstead Roofed buildings on 1st ed OS - HAW 6/2004 ND 15475 31560

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG39379 Loedebest Head dyke This small post medieval settlement, situated on a 72064 5230 ND See MHG668 low terrace of Dunbeath Water, consists of two long 14000 buildings, a kiln house with enclosure, rigs and a 31200 clearance cairn. One long house has an extra chamber on the long side, this may be a bed recess or dairy. The fireplace and chimney in the gable end of the building may suggest a late abandonment of the site. This settlement is not marked on Roy's map of 1747-52, but may be 'Clashraven' of a 1789 sasine.

Information from Historic Scotland, August 1992.

Information from RCAHMS (AKK) 5 January 1996. MHG39380 Loedebest Enclosure As above 72064 5230 ND See MHG668 14000 31200 MHG39384 Loedebest Kiln As above 72064 5230 ND See MHG668 14000 31200 MHG39385 Loedebest Rig and 5230 See MHG668 furrow

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG39386 Loedebest Clearance As above 72065 5230 ND See MHG668 cairn 14000 31201 MHG39560 Creag an Clearance Centred ND 149 316, along SW-facing flank of a 8206 ND 14900 31600 Fithick cairn heather-covered ridge, is a field system of the type commonly associated with hut circles. It comprises a number of stony mounds interspersed by sinuous stretches of banking; no field plots were noted.

Visited by OS (J M) 12 November 1982.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG39563 Ballachly Chapel As MHG1145 above, but with the following 8134 2704 ND additions: At Ballachly is site of a chapel. From the 15670 haugh land near the river there rises a ridge some 30350 80-100 yds in length, and at right angles to it there runs towards river a wall 5ft thick and still some 8- 10ft high. Along level to base of ridge at E are ruins of a similar massive wall. Bishop Forbes (Craven 1886) records that he was told on his visit to Caithness in 1762 that here 'had been a small monastery called of old the Chapel or Church of Peace'.

RCAHMS 1911; J B Craven 1886.

Chapel, according to local tradition, survived until Reformation, and graveyard, in part, until 18th century when most of it was carried away by a flooding of Burn of Houstry, during which coffins were seen to be swept down to sea. The little that survived the flood was eradicated by cultivation. The priest's house is said to have stood on rising ground above junction of the Burn of Houstry with the Dunbeath Water.

Name Book 1871.

Site of (NAT) Chapel & Grave Yard (NR)

OS 6" map, Caithness, 1st ed., (1871) MHG39564 Ballachly Cemetery As MHG39563 8134 2704 ND 15670 30350

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG39565 Bridge of Field system See MHG1151 8141 ND 15090 30540 Rhemullen MHG39566 Bridge of Enclosure See MHG1151 8141 ND 15090 30540 Rhemullen MHG39574 Badnagie Enclosure See MHG1171 8164 5186 ND 15600 32100 MHG39589 Bridge of Clearance See MHG1151 8141 ND 15090 30540 Rhemullen cairn MHG39590 Bridge of Lynchet See MHG1151 8141 ND 15090 30540 Rhemullen MHG39591 Bridge of Field See MHG1151 8141 ND 15090 30540 Rhemullen boundary MHG41513 Balantrath Cairn See MHG13561 ND 14400 30800 MHG42565 Loedebest Structure See MHG13572 ND Difficult to 14800 see in 31300 vegetation cover. Walls no more than 0.3m high. MHG43038 Braehiller Quarry See MHG13580 ND 14900 31800 MHG46462 Ballachly Incised NMRS Report: (14/10/2003) 251227 ND 1572 3049 stone ND13SE 133 ND 1572 3099

A cross-incised slab, discovered during the demolition of a wall at Ballachly steading, is now preserved in Dunbeath Heritage Centre.

Information from RCAHMS (IFr), 14 October 2003.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG47852 Ballachly Incised NMRS Report: (02/12/2004) 268966 ND 157 303 stone ND13SE 139 c.157 303

ND 157 303 A fragment of Early Historic sculpture bearing interlace on one face was found in the rubble of a garden wall at Ballachly Croft. Declared Treasure Trove (TT 26/02) and allocated to Dunbeath Heritage Centre.

F Hunter 2003 MHG52813 Houstry Farmstead ND 15747 31380 Road MHG54604 Ballachly Cross slab RCAHMS Canmore description: 306191 ND 1567 3035

ND13SE 143 1567 3035

A fragment of a possible cross-slab was discovered in the course of excavations at Chapel Hill.

Information from RCAHMS (JB), 2 September 2010. <1>

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number MHG55385 Balnatink Farmstead The remains of a former farmstead were noted ND 15206 31221 during a watching brief on adjacent land in November 2011. In the region of the buildings abundant stones were noted in the topsoil which were similar in nature and size to those scattered on the surface, and which were evidently derived from the buildings.

A superficial record was made of the remains which comprise six abandoned buildings. The buildings still stand to gable height in most cases. Rough dimensions and locations were recorded as follows (letters refer to the annotated plan in the watching brief report):

Building A, 13 x 6m, ND 15187 61237

Building B, 3 x 3m, ND 15197 31235

Building C, 12 x 6m, ND 15181 31235

Building D, 20x 6, ND 15203 31204

Building E, 6 x 6m, ND 15214 31182

Building F, 20 x 5m, ND 15245 31178 <1>

The farmstead is depicted on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map. <2>

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number Investigations

EHG98 Dunbeath Field A survey by Glasgow University on 1984-6 included - Centroi estate survey/walk the study area. It noted that the 'Rhemullen' broch, d ND over here interpreted as MHG1140, was possibly multiple 15497 structures. 30270 13572 Loedebest Enclosure - - ND Not visited 14800 31300 42565 Loedebest Structure - - ND Not visited 14800 31300 49964 Tohorrie, Investigatio ND 1542 3086 A watching brief was undertaken in 283727 ND Not visited Dunbeath n July 2005 for a house plot and associated services, 1542 close to a number of archaeological sites. No 3086 archaeological deposits or features were revealed, although a number of new sites were noted in the vicinity including a farmstead, structure, mill and cropmarks.

Full report lodged with Highland SMR and NMRS.

Sponsor: Mrs E MacDonald.

S Farrell 2005

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

HER NAME Type DESCRIPTION NUMLINK SAM NGR Field notes number New features B1 Balnatink Dyke Stone dyke standing to 0.4m high, tumble spread 1m ND wide. Runs along southern boundary of croft. 15050 Shown on OS 6" map revised 1905 but not on OS 30924 1st edition surveyed 1871 to ND 15460 30909 B2 Balnatink Dyke Stone dyke intermittently visible along northern ND boundary of croft. Large footing stones visible, up 15103 to 0.2m high, 0.7m wide. 31489 to ND 15134 31487 B3 Balnatink Farmstead Three chambered stone building shown on OS 1st ND edition map surveyed 1871, and later maps, with 15083 enclosure to north; trees along eastern edge of 31412 enclosure. Outline visible on Google Earth image dated 1/1/2004, now reduced to two gable ends standing to roof ridge. No sign of trees. B4 Balnatink Building Square, unroofed building shown on OS 1st edition ND1505 map surveyed 1871 but not on map 1905 revision, 8 31484 although a path leads to its location.

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

APPENDIX 3

Index of Photographs. Not all photographs taken during the project are reproduced here; photo numbers refer to the site photographic index.

Photo Direction number Description faced Scale View from broch MHG1139 towards the 1 northern part of G3 NE View of G3 from its southern end, showing 1 x 1m 3 plateau N 1 x 1m 5 Dyke B1 from its eastern end W Panorama of G1 from ND14732 31575. 9 Shows part of G1, with gravel pit open NW View from broch MHG1140 towards G1. See 12 figure 9 NNW 14 View from broch MHG1140 towards G2 NE Panorama of G2 from ND15064 31453. 15 Shows location of B4 N Panorama of G2 from ND15064 31453. 19 Shows B3 with enclosure S

20 B2 from ND15075 31486 NE 1 x 1m

Figure 10 Camera positions for photographs 43

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

APPENDIX 4

Selected photographs

Photo 1 View from broch MHG1139 towards the northern part of G3

Photo 3 View of G3 from its southern end, showing plateau 44

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

Photo 5 Dyke B1 from its eastern end 45

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

Photo 9 Panorama of G1 from ND14732 31575. Shows part of G1, with gravel pit open

Photo 12 View from broch MHG1140 towards G1. See figure 9

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

Photo 14 View from broch MHG1140 towards G2

Photo 15 Panorama of G2 from ND15064 31453. Shows location of B4

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

Photo 19 Panorama of G2 from ND15064 31453. Shows B3 with enclosure

Balnatink Walkover Survey Report

Photo 20 B2 from ND15075 31486 49