Beauly to Denny 400 kV Overhead Power Line
FUNDERS: Scottish and Southern Energy, Iberdrola
Northlight Heritage are conducting the archaeological works along this 220-km linear construction project: assessing impacts on cultural heritage and carrying out evaluations, monitoring and set-piece excavations to mitigate the impacts of construction for over 700 towers, five substations, access tracks and other infrastructure. This highly complex project demands that we adapt rapidly to changes in the programme and mobilise teams to work in remote areas at short notice. Our flexible approach and capacity for rapid response are based on establishing excellent communication networks and working practices with the environmental management team and area construction teams. Our priorities are always to meet the projects' needs and avoid delays to the programme of work while ensuring the best outcomes for cultural heritage.
So far we've found and investigated prehistoric settlements and ceremonial monuments (such as Pittentian), a medieval settlement and a shrine associated with post-medieval transhumance, and carried out fieldwork on the battlefields of Sheriffmuir and Bannockburn. We've also used the project to stimulate educational events, including a two-day event for schools at the Bannockburn Visitor Centre, organised in association with the client SSE, Stirling Council and the National Trust for Scotland and involving 120 children from local primary schools.