Transport Scotland has appointed Headland Archaeology (UK) Limited to carry out archaeological investigations and search for items of historical interest on the land earmarked for the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC).

Investigations will include geophysical survey, trial trenches and hand excavation. The works are scheduled to begin this August and as a result of land access constraints are expected to take approximately one year to complete.

These works are being undertaken well in advance of any construction, to allow sufficient time for recovery and recording, should items of historical interest be found. This will help ensure, subject to parliamentary approval of the Forth Crossing Bill, that construction will begin in 2011 and the crossing can be opened by 2016 - avoiding potential traffic restrictions on the Forth Road Bridge.

Headland Archaeology is based in Scotland and has extensive experience of carrying out similar investigative works for large scale infrastructure development, including the Upper Forth Crossing at Kincardine and as part of a joint venture on the M74 Completion.

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Steven Brown, Transport Scotland's roads team manager for the FRC, explained: "We are pleased to be working with Headland Archaeology on a very important aspect of the advanced works for the Forth Replacement Crossing. The successful completion of these investigations will help us ensure construction of the crossing can begin on schedule and be completed by 2016.

“The areas of archaeological interest are already well mapped, but Headland Archaeology’s investigations will use all practicable measures to ensure any items of historical interest are found and preserved. We will continue to work closely with Historic Scotland to ensure that this happens.”

Russel Coleman, Director for Headland Archaeology said: “We’re delighted to be working with Transport Scotland on the advance archaeological works for the FRC and continuing the successful working relationship we have established over the last 10 years on successful projects like the M74, the M80 and Upper Forth Crossing."

Transport Scotland and their advisors have been working closely with Historic Scotland, and have identified several areas as having potential archaeological interest. Initial studies will focus on land owned by Scottish Ministers at St Margaret's Hope and Echline Fields.

Transport Scotland is progressing agreements with existing landowners, to allow works to be undertaken in areas which are not currently in the ownership of the Scottish Ministers.

(GK)