New Maltings, Rothes, Moray Metal detecting and Evaluation

Work was carried out in accordance with the methodology outlined in the New Maltings, Rothes, Moray Archaeological Evaluation Written Scheme of Investigation (AOC, 2023). The development area required a 7% trial trenching evaluation, with a 3% contingency, to be invoked if the initial evaluation revealed the presence archaeological features. Restrictions to the proposed trench plan included: a 10m safety buffer for overhead lines and detected services; agricultural fence lines; and in-service farm tracks at the southwest perimeter of the site. Trench lengths were adjusted to achieve the full 7% evaluation. Fifty trenches totalling 6,050 m2 (3,025 linear metres, approximately 7% of the 85,320m2 development area) were excavated Fieldwork was carried out between 17th April and 3rd May 2023. Fifty trenches were excavated across the proposed development site. The trenching totalled 6,050 m2. Both rubble and ceramic field drains along side plough scars were identified within several excavated trenches across the site. The southwest end of Trench 17 revealed a large midden pit, likely dating to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The pit measured 12m in length and was excavated to a depth of 1.3m, but was not fully excavated due to safety concerns. The midden fill contained lenses of ash and charcoal fragments, with masonry stones and slate. A range of 19th/20th century ceramic, glass, and metal artefacts were uncovered. Metal detecting was performed on removed topsoil from each and every evaluation trench. The finds comprised miscellaneous iron objects the majority of the finds recovered are likely associated with post-med/modern agricultural activity. No significant archaeological features were discovered.