Professor Ian Ralston

NOTE OF A MEETING AT BURGHEAD, 23rd May 2003 TO PLAN EXCAVATIONS WITHIN THE TOWN IN SEPTEMBER 2003

Present: Mr Dan Ralph, Mr Ken and and Mrs Cath Millar, Prof Ian Ralston

The following points were discussed:

Locations for excavations

A number of pieces of land, mostly on or close to the assumed position of the outer defensive works, and in some instances near St Aethan’s cemetery, could be available for excavation, some more readily than others. Two were selected for initial examination and an approach will be made to Moray Council (Gary Templeton) to establish ownership of the ‘lainies’ especially that backing onto, and immediately W of, the Well site.

Topsoiling and soil storage

In all accessed sites, due care would be taken to separate topsoil from any other deposits that were examined, in order to facilitate reinstatement. Wherever possible, soil would be stored on site to minimise handling, although this may not always be feasible, and Dan Ralph had identified one or two locations where soil could be stored temporarily.

Safe working margins from standing buildings and walls

Due attention would be given to leaving safe margins so as not to disrupt any standing structures; these margins would be used, where appropriate, for topsoil storage.
The question of topsoiling (and subsequently reinstatment) by small mechanical digger (Kubota or similar) was discussed and Dan Ralph will investigate estimated costings with local contractors.

Reinstatement

Every effort will be made not to disrupt any services and any such disruption will be made good as a cost on the excavation. Reinstatement of ground will consist of replacing subsoil before topsoil (perhaps largely mechanically – see above) and sowing with a suitable grass mix, unless otherwise negotiated with the owner.

Small finds

Under Scots Law of Treasure Trove and Bona Vacantia all finds need to be reported to the Treasure Trove Advisory Panel for subsequent allocation to a Recognised Museum. The status of BHT’s facility in relation to Moray Museums Service was discussed (MMS will deposit material currently in its possession in the visitor centre), and IR proposed that BHT should have informal discussions with MMS before excavations start as to whether MMS would be prepared to bid for finds as a ‘recognised museum’ and then subsequently loan or allocate some or all of them to BHT for local display. At the same time, it might be investigated whether MMS could provide emergency conservation advice / assistance in the – perhaps unlikely – event that the excavations funded by the Trust uncovered something delicate requiring on-site treatment.

Excavation team and timing

The excavation team would comprise IR, a professional archaeologist from CFA Archaeology Ltd and approximately 6 students and would run for three weeks in September, starting about the 8th. Other expertise (e.g. environmental) would be called in from CFAAL or elsewhere as the project required. Assuming sufficient space, and suitable insurance liability arrangements, it is hoped that members of BHT or other local interested parties would be able to take part on fieldwork.

Scottish Archaeological Month (September)

Depending on fieldwork results and owners’ views on public access, it may be possible to schedule an ‘open day’ to the excavations as part of Scottish Archaeological Month . It is suggested that this reviewed in light of progress in due course.

Geophysics

It is hoped to carry out some geophysical research in conjunction with Professor Bruce Hobbs, Edinburgh University, and his students and probably Mr Tim Neighbour of CFAAL. This may or may not run concurrently with the excavations, depending on other commitments, availability of equipment etc.

Financial arrangements

The scale of works proposed is designed to allow for a reasonable amount of finds processing, reporting, radiocarbon dating and other post-excavation costs. In the event that results from the initial sites are disappointing, it is suggested that further exploratory works are scheduled at Easter 2004. Contrastingly, if they are highly productive, the amount of work undertaken in September 2003 may have to be curtailed to allow full reporting. This latter eventuality is thought unlikely.