Miltonduff Distillery, Miltonduff, Elgin: Archaeological Strip, Map and Sample: Data Structure Report

Three areas where concentrated remains were encountered during the archaeological evaluation were subject to a strip, map and sample which involved a monitored topsoil strip, excavation and recording: Area 1: North-eastern field within the site. Area 1 focused on a dense area of archaeological features identified during the evaluation. Area 2: South-eastern field within the site. Area 2 focused on a small cluster of features along with undetermined deposits identified during the archaeological evaluation. Area 3: Central eastern field within the site. Area 3 focused on a small cluster of features identified during the archaeological evaluation All ground-breaking work was monitored by an archaeologist. The archaeologist directed digging by a mechanical excavator fitted with a 2m wide straight-edged bucket to establish the presence or absence of archaeological remains within the SMS areas. The area strip continued until there was a distinct, sterile 5-10m buffer from confirmed archaeological features to ensure that archaeological remains did not continue. All work was carried out in accordance with the CIfA Code of Conduct. All features of archaeological significance were excavated by hand in order to establish the date, nature, extent and state of preservation of the deposits. Archaeological features and deposits were drawn at a scale of 1:20 and section drawings were drawn at a scale of 1:10. All significant archaeological features were sampled, in the event post-excavation analysis is deemed necessary. The locations of all archaeological findspots and features and the area covered by the evaluation and watching brief were plotted using a Trimble R8s capable of centimetre accuracy. The archaeological monitoring was recorded using high resolution digital photography to record the process as well as any archaeological features or finds of interest. The archaeological SMS has allowed further investigation of features identified during the archaeological evaluation in February 2023. Area 1 contained the remains of substantial walls which formed three sides of a large rectangular enclosure. The enclosure is likely to date to the 17th -18th century. A well depicted on the second edition ordnance survey map (1906) was also uncovered in Area 1. Area 2 contained a significant prehistoric settlement comprising six roundhouse structures, possible ancillary structures, and features associated with metalworking. Area 3 contained a small contained a small pit group of unknown date and function.