EHG6433 - Evaluation - Helmsdale-Ord A9 realignment

A trial trenching evaluation was undertaken by AOC Archaeology Group in 2002 on a site to the northeast of Helmsdale in advance of proposals for the upgrade and realignment of a section of the A9 road between Helmsdale and Ord of Caithness. A total of 782m² were opened wihin the road corridor but no archaeological features were uncovered. Additionally, an area of approximately 680m² was stripped of gorse and bracken in an attempt to locate a recorded hut circle (ND01NW40 - see MHG10284). A platform with stone revetment was found and a hand-dug evaluation slot was excavated. The trench extended across the revetment onto the platform. No artefacts were retrieved. Further excavation was planned before the road improvements were made (see EHG907 and EHG952). <1> NOTE: Description based on DES 2002, p.71 and DES 2003 p.88. Evaluation report still awaited as of 15/10/2025. GIS spatial data is approximate and drawn from a georeferenced plan take from the subsequent roundhouse excavation report (see EHG907) [ISL 15/10/2025].