Cursiter Quarry (Phase 2), Grimbister, Kirkwall, Orkney Archaeological Field Evaluation Data Structure Report

An archaeological field evaluation and standing structure recording was undertaken as part of the Phase 2 extension of Cursiter Quarry, Grimbister, Orkney The current archaeological works follow on from a walkover survey undertaken by ORCA in 2016 as part of a Historic Environment Desk Baseline Assessment, and a geophysical survey undertaken by Rose Geophysics in 2018. The survey identified a total of twenty-one anomalies within the proposed development area, fourteen of which were considered to be of 'possible archaeological origin'. Following consultation with the Local Authority Archaeologist, and in line with best practice, a planning condition was placed on the proposed development requiring the recording of a boundary wall identified by the Historic Environment Desk Baseline Assessment along with a programme of trial trenching to investigate the geophysical anomalies. The standing structure recording identified the stone-built boundary dyke as being constructed in the 'Caithness-style' with angular stone slabs placed upright rather than the dry-stone form walling usual in Orkney, and that the boundary also comprised an attendant ditch and earthen bank. A total of twenty trenches were excavated as part of the archaeological evaluation. With the exception of three field-drains, no features of archaeological significance were identified by the intrusive fieldwork and it was concluded that the geophysical anomalies were geological in origin.