Monument record MHG54303 - Possible road or trackway, Balmakeith Industrial Estate, Nairn

A large amorphous spread (025), possibly a large pit, was identified at the north of the evaluation area in Trenches 16 and 17. One of the linear features terminated at this feature. <1>

This spread was further investigated in early 2011 when three areas were opened up. This lay in Area 2 and proved to be a large linear feature (renumbered 216), possibly the remains of a trackway associated with an earlier phase or alignment of the A96 which runs parallel to it. This feature varied in size from between 2.1 and 8.5 m in width and 0.1 m to 0.65 m in depth and had fairly gradual sloping sides with a slightly concave base. It was filled with a maximum of five silted deposits [217], [237], [238], [239], and [240] with a concentration of small stones located at the base. This feature continued into the baulk at both sides of the area, and continued within Area 1. However, it had been completely machined away during the initial stripping of Area 1, and could only be seen in section.
The historic maps do appear to show some changes in the alignment of this road, however the accuracy of the maps in this area is low therefore the function of this feature remains uncertain. <2>

The adjacent field has displayed cropmarks of a possible earlier alignment of the A96 (see MHG29795). <3>