Commercial Excavations, Evaluations or Surveys
Archaeological investigations carried out by a reputable practitioner as part of a planning process or pre-development stage can reduce risk, increase social awareness and even add value to the development project – whether it is the construction of a single house or a major infrastructure scheme.
With over forty years of experience, we will guide you through the often confusing and daunting planning process and provide you with the best solution for the successful fulfilment of planning obligations. We always strive to deliver the highest standard of work and the best possible outcome for both the client and the planner.
Whether it is a desk-based assessment, field survey, remote (aerial) survey, watching brief, an evaluation, or a full-scale excavation, we have these covered– no project is too big or too small.
We regularly cooperate with independent archaeology practitioners and can pull together larger teams if required as well as engage specialists in their respective area.
We are a trusted small archaeological company and are full Members of the Charted Institute for Archaeologists.
For more information about the planning process and how it works in terms of the development process, please read this short guide for developers
Case Studies
Project: Newhailes House, East Lothian (2007-2011)
Client: National Trust for Scotland
A variety of projects investigating the nationally important historic landscape and buildings of the National Trust of Scotland property of Newhailes House and Estate. The projects ranged from Historic Building Record to Evaluations and Watching Briefs. We also carried out a number of excavations around the estate looking at specific elements of the 18th century designed landscape.
Links and Readings
Connolly, D. (2011). Newhailes House Estate, Cascade Excavations: Scottish Archaeology Month 2011. Haddington: Connolly Heritage Consultancy.
Connolly, D. (2009). Evaluation Newhailes Stables Education Room. Haddington: Connolly Heritage Consultancy.
Connolly, D. (2008). Watching Brief Newhailes Stables Drains. Haddington: Connolly Heritage Consultancy.
Connolly, D. (2008). Excavations at Newhailes House Estate, Tea House 2008. Haddington: Connolly Heritage Consultancy.
Connolly, D. (2007). Excavations at Newhailes House Estate, Tea House, August 2007. Haddington: Connolly Heritage Consultancy. https://doi.org/10.5284/1002002.
Connolly, D. (2007). Building Record at Newhailes House Estate, Flower Garden Wall recording. Haddington: Connolly Heritage Consultancy. https://doi.org/10.5284/1002000.
Project: Templar Lodge Hotel, East Lothian (2011)
Client: Private Client
Prior to the development of the Templar Lodge Hotel, a building record and evaluation was required. This has shown that the structure had undergone major constructional alterations from a single 2-bay 3-story structure in the mid 18th century to a grander pavilioned mansion facing onto the main street. Excavation to the south east of the property also uncovered remains relating to the construction of an extension to the original building.
Links and Readings
Connolly, D. (2011). Templar Lodge grounds and Hotel, Gullane Building Record and Evaluation. Haddington: Connolly Heritage Consultancy. https://doi.org/10.5284/1028327.
Project: Crystal Rig Windfarm, East Lothian (2015)
Client: Community Windpower Ltd
Monitored strip on the excavation of a linear 50m wide track connecting the Crystalrig windfarm to Aikengall Windfarm over the Monynut Water. Amongst other finds, the works have uncovered a WW2 bomb crater, the result of a jettisoned surplus bomb, in association with large fragments of shrapnel from a German Heinkel bomber (likely carrying 4 250kg HE bombs).
Links and Readings
Connolly, D. (2015). Aikengall Windfarm Link Road. Haddington: Connolly Heritage Consultancy. https://doi.org/10.5284/1039834.
Project: Shimal Plain Palm Gardens (2018, 2019)
Client: Department of Antiquities and Museums, Ras Al Khaimah
The overall aim of the Shimal Plain Palm Gardens (SPPG) Project was to create an enhanced integrated and accessible record of the settlement and site history in the Shimal area of Ras al-Khaimah, which can be subsequently refined and utilised to further test theoretical models of settlement dynamics as well as being made available for enhanced academic studies.
The SPPG project set out to survey and map all extant archaeological features as well as more recent heritage architecture within the former palm gardens of Shimal (An area of 12.5km square). The project comprised remote aerial prospection, LIDAR and aerial imagery, combined with detailed ground proofing survey and ceramics pick-up. Finishing ahead of schedule, the project mapped the entire core area of the palm gardens, recorded nearly 650 individual monuments and identified 9 archaeological periods from ceramic analysis.
Links and Readings
Kdolska, H, Connolly, D & M de Vreeze 2019. Shimal Plain Palm Gardens: Archaeological Mapping Survey, Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), Phase I. Unpublished Data Structure Report for the Department of Antiquities and Museums, Ras al-Khaimah.
Kdolska, H, Connolly, D & M de Vreeze 2019. Shimal Plain Palm Gardens: Archaeological Mapping Survey, Ras Al Khaimah (UAE), Phase IIB. Unpublished Data Structure Report for the Department of Antiquities and Museums, Ras al-Khaimah.
