'Wanton destruction': Anger as prehistoric hut circles in Dornoch woodland damaged by forestry operation
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Nationally important prehistoric sites located in a Dornoch woodland were damaged earlier this year by harvesting operations, it has emerged.
Contractors drove heavy tracked machinery over and around three Iron Age roundhouses located at Camore Wood, a popular amenity area some two miles from the town.
Dornoch Area Community Council chairman Patrick Murray has slammed the action as "wanton destruction" and called for assurances that no further damage would take place.
An investigation has been undertaken involving Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS), which owns the wood, contractors Gordon Timber, Nairn, and Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
FLS has now pledged to undertake archaeological and restoration work after it was deemed there were shortcomings in documenting the sites and communication between parties, as is required prior to work taking place.
But Dornoch Area Community Council chairman Patrick Murray said: “The community council is appalled at the wanton destruction to an Iron Age archaeological site in Camore Woods where at least three of the 26 recorded historic circles have been damaged by deep machinery tracks."
Community council treasurer Jerry Bishop, who lives close to Camore Woods and walks there often, said it was “completely unnecessary damage to a valuable historic site which is extremely well mapped and known about by many people in the area”.
Camore Woods, a native pine wood, is well visited by families, horse riders and dog walkers.
The hut circles in the wood are regarded as of national importance and are designated as a scheduled monument. They are located over an area of 30 to 40 hectares and most have been left as clearings in the forestry plantation.
Varying in scale, diameter and construction, the largest hut circle is around 14m across and the smallest 6.5m.
Forestry and Land Scotland said it had contracted Gordon Timber to undertake thinning operations to “open up the woodland to make the area more attractive to wildlife and for recreational visitors”. Work began at the end of November last year.
A FLS spokesperson said: “The work was halted in January when we became aware of damage to three of the prehistoric roundhouses on the site and Historic Environment Scotland was immediately notified.
“An investigation found that these archaeological features had not been clearly indicated in contract documents. It also found that while our processes are robust and fit-for-purpose, they would be improved by a clearer delineation of roles and responsibilities, more effective communication and clearer documentation including maps.
“We have now taken steps to improve these aspects of our work and have also agreed a £40,000 remediation programme of archaeological recording and reprofiling works.
“Professional archaeologists will assess the damage caused by the Forwarder tracks across and adjacent to three roundhouses and gauge how this has affected the archaeological remains, allowing a fuller understanding of the nature and chronology of the sites and informing a programme of remedial works.
“We anticipate that this will be completed by autumn.”
A spokesman for HES said: “We investigated the incident in line with our scheduled monument procedures and all parties cooperated fully with the investigation. We have now agreed on a resolution with the site owner. They will carry out archaeological works to record the surviving remains, make recommendations for the repair of the monument, and carry out any repairs needed."
Gordon Timber said: “The land owner, Forestry and Land Scotland and Gordon Timber have been in communication with HES concerning the site that was worked in Camore Woods.
“We have also attended a site meeting with the other parties as part of HES’s investigation. HES has now completed its investigation and agreed a resolution with FLS.
“At the suggestion of HES, Gordon Timber has also carried out a process review outwith our usual review routine.”
