EHG5742 - Trial trenching - Milton of Leys

Trial trenching was carried out by GUARD in 1998-9 prior to planning consent for a housing development at Milton of Leys, Inverness. The work also included a desk-based assessment and walkover survey (see EHG227) and geophysical survey (see EHG5742) and a total station theodolite survey. This stage of the project comprised the excavation of a number of trial trenches throughout the area of proposed development and the positions of the trenches were determined by the results of the first three stages of work. The trenches were opened and the topsoil removed by a JCB using a toothless, flat ditching bucket under the supervision of a suitably qualified archaeologist. The exposed surfaces were cleaned by hand and a record was made of each trench. Weather conditions affected the final two days of this stage of work. Intensive overnight rain resulted in several trenches flooding and no excavation of features within them could be undertaken. A total of 58 trenches with a cumulative length of 1,432m were excavated within the development area. The locations of the trenches were governed by the results of the walkover and geophysical surveys. In addition, positions deemed favourable for example habitation were chosen, such as areas of level ground and positions with enhanced visibility. Locations where preservation of archaeological remains might be favourable were also given priority. Of the 58 trenches investigated 16 were found to contain archaeological remains (excluding modern field drains). All trenches were 1.6 m wide unless stated otherwise. The results of the work suggest that there are archaeological remains present within the development area, the majority of which have been subject to extensive truncation caused by ploughing. Six areas have been highlighted for further archaeological work. <1> Three areas (Area 1, 2 and 4) were targeted for further investigation (see EHG528). <2>