Site Event/Activity record EHG4309 - Test-pitting - John O Groats Hotel

Location

Location John O'Groats
Grid reference Centred ND 3793 7335 (74m by 50m)
Map sheet ND37SE
Operational Area CAITHNESS SUTHERLAND AND EASTER ROSS
Civil Parish CANISBAY
Geographical Area CAITHNESS

Technique(s)

Organisation

Glasgow University (GUARD)

Date

1994

Map

Description

Following geophysical surveys involving both resistivity and magnetometry (see EHG124) Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (GUARD) carried out a programme of test pitting in the area immediately surrounding the John O'Groat's Hotel in advance of a proposed extension scheme. Twenty pits were laid out across the area, with most being 1 x 0.5m in size, and their depths ranged between 0.4 - 0.75m. They were positioned in the most 'interesting' locations identified from the geophysical survey, some were placed in areas where it was difficult to draw a firm conclusion from the geophysical data and some were placed on the south side of the development area to see whether the archaeological features seen during excavations in 1989 (see EHG996) extended that far north. The most promising geophysical anomalies did prove to be buried features but they were not archaeological in nature, with most relating to modern pipes. Only one pit (No.2) produced what might have been an archaeological feature, but on balance it may have been a product of clearance prior to or during the construction of the hotel. <1>

Sources/Archives (1)

  • <1> Text/Report/Fieldwork Report: James, R.. 1994. John O'Groats Hotel: Archaeological Assessment. Glasgow University (GUARD). 30/01/1994. Paper and Digital.

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Record last edited

Jun 1 2015 12:14PM

Comments and Feedback

Do you have any more information about this record? Please feel free to comment with information and photographs, or ask any questions, using the "Disqus" tool below. Comments are moderated, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible.