The remains of a prehistoric roundhouse have been uncovered by archaeologists working on behalf of SSEN Transmission at the site of a potential new substation extension location near Beauly.

The dig, part of wider survey work ahead of plans to reinforce the existing 132 kV substation at Beauly, encountered the substantial remains of a circular stone and turf foundation likely to be a domestic roundhouse, which may have been inhabited up to 3,000 years ago.

A full excavation of the structure revealed the banked remains of a circular wall around 40cm in height and 8m in diameter, along with evidence of an internal roof support and the presence of a ring of structural post holes.

Archaeologists also recovered fragments from two stone saddle querns, which are an ancient form of hand-mill, along with flint artefacts and coarse ceramic fragments. The team have carefully excavated, photographed, mapped and documented the discovery.

All finds have been recovered, documented and will be included in a full artefact analysis by AOC Archaeology Group. Once the report is complete, a copy will be uploaded and available to view on the Highland Council Historic Environment Record.


The archaeological survey formed a key part of the new development, allowing the project team to fully understand the area before progressing with any construction.

The development at Beauly is part of a major reinforcement project to upgrade the electricity transmission network in the area to support a recent sustained increase in renewable electricity generation. The project involves replacing some of the ageing assets at the existing 132 kV substation, which are reaching their end of their operational life.

SSEN Transmission Project Manager Simon Johnstone said: "The finds near the existing substation at Beauly have provided a fascinating glimpse into the past which would have gone undiscovered had works not taken place in the area.

"We have worked closely with archaeological teams from WSP, AOC Archaeology Group and Northlight Heritage over the past few years to accurately excavate, record and document features in line with environmental guidance and best practice.

"As a responsible developer these finds are a great example of why it's important that we take particular care to fully study and research the area around us."

WSP's Principal Archaeologist Kevin Mooney, who has been managing the archaeological works said: "The area surrounding Beauly has a rich history which spans early prehistory through to the later Medieval periods.

"The presence of Neolithic stone carvings and Bronze Age burials through to the defensive Iron Age hill fort and Pictish carvings indicate that this location has always been an important focus for human activity. SSEN Transmission's archaeological excavations complete another piece of the puzzle and help us to research and understand how the early inhabitants of Scotland lived."