Monument record MHG37989 - Melvich

Created automatically by NMRS Register Utility
User: Admin, Date: Wed 13 Oct 2004
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NC86NE 31 8676 6519

NC 844 652 to NC 876 651 Archaeological desk-based assessment and reconnaissance field survey were conducted in May and June 2001 in relation to proposed improvements to the A836 road along a c 4km stretch between Strathy and Melvich. The study corridor was c 100m wide centred on the existing carriageway. Thirty-four sites were identified, of which only the listed church, manse and school of Strathy Free Church (NMRS NC 86 NW 9, 31, and 40) were previously recorded.
The most significant new discovery was a putative Bronze Age kerbed burial cairn E of Allt an Domhaich (NC 8676 6519). The site lies on relatively well-drained level ground, commanding extensive views to the W, N and E. The cairn survives as a sub-oval feature defined by a boulder kerb. The area within the kerb rises gently towards its centre, where a slightly more pronounced knoll is present. This central area contains a rectangular depression with richer vegetation that may define the position of a short cist. The northern side of the cairn had been disturbed during the cutting of a roadside drain for the current road, which at this point had been built on a terrace excavated into the hillside c 3m below the level of the cairn. The cairn material was revealed to be a 0.3m thick band of cobbles set within a peaty topsoil.
Report to be lodged with Highland SMR and the NMRS.
Sponsor: Highland Council.
A J Dunwell 2001