WEST of SCOTLAND
ARCHAEOLOGYSERVICE
Annual Report of the West of Scotland Archaeology Service
2016/17
SummaryThis annual report covers the period from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017.
During the report period, the West of Scotland Archaeology Service dealt with 1732 new
casework items, 60 fewer than in the previous year, a reduction of 3.3%. Around threequarters of this reduction came from a modest fall in the number of planning applications
identified as potentially raising archaeological issues, but the only geographical area where
this might be statistically significant was in locations within easy travel distance of Edinburgh.
However, those locations had also experienced a rapid rise in the number of suchapplications over the preceding two years, so when viewed over a longer time-frame, any fallin application numbers is likely to be a statistical ‘blip’ or annual fluctuation returning
application submission rates to a more steady underlying trend.
Monitoring the weekly lists of planning applications received from the ten member Councils
and from the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority constituted 558 of the
new work items. This essential element of the Service’s work ensures that applications whichraise potential archaeological issues which have not been fully dealt with at the preapplication stage can be identified for consideration. The monitoring of the weekly lists, alongwith direct referrals from planning officers, identified 818 new planning applications whichmight raise archaeological issues and required further assessment.
A further 356 new casework items in other categories also arose in the reporting period.

New Casework 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017
Council Area

Total of New
Casework Items

Weeklylists

Argyll & Bute

51
51
50
53
51
51
47
52
52
50
50

160
94
24
63
58
43
92
140
26
66
52

General/Multi-Council

321
158
80
146
128
109
162
254
99
139
122
14

110
13
6
30
19
15
23
62
21
23
20
14

Total

1732

558

818

356

East Ayrshire
East Renfrewshire
Glasgow
North Ayrshire
Renfrewshire
South Ayrshire
South Lanarkshire
West Dunbartonshire
West LothianNational Park Authority

Planning
Applications

Other

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

1Planning Application Casework 2016-2017
Although the number of new planning applications identified as potentially raisingarchaeological issues (818) was 48 fewer than in the previous year, 403 of these wereassessed as raising such issues. This was 49% of those assessed, a slightly higher
proportion than previous years. Longer-term analysis of these statistics indicates a sustained
and significant upward shift three years ago in the proportion of planning casework which has
needed more detailed assessment or has been identified as warranting mitigation.
This increase in the proportion of cases which have been identified as raising significant
issues followed the implementation of the Service’s new archaeological impact mitigation
system in 2014. This revised paperless working method received a Commendation at the2014 Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning, and successfully streamlined the identification
and assessment of planning applications, reducing the need for precautionary casework
referrals to the Service from non-archaeological staff within the Councils.
Continuing ‘rolling analysis’ of the annual casework handling statistics for the Service
indicates that, with the exception of referrals dealing with site with a previous application
history, the reduction in the number of direct referrals from member Councils’ planning staff
and an increased reliance on the Archaeology Service to identify applications raisingpotentially significant issues can lead to an improvement in the casework efficiency of theService, without a discernable reduction in the successful identification of applications raising
significant archaeological issues in those areas.
It should be noted that the positive effects of this casework handling system on the speed ofprocessing planning applications is vulnerable to disruption of the eplanning system, on
which we rely for online document retrieval. Reliable access to robust online Council systems
is essential to efficient service delivery across the Joint Service.
Summary Table of Planning Applications 2011-2017
Numbers identified for detailed further
assessment

Numbers assessed as raising significant
archaeological issues

Argyll & Bute
East Ayrshire
East Renfrewshire
Glasgow
Inverclyde
North Ayrshire
Renfrewshire
South Ayrshire
South Lanarkshire
West Dunbartonshire
West LothianNational Park

11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17
316 244 316 208 159 160
81
80
115
112
95
101
65
51
62
84
99
94
32
25
24
38
40
43
29
32
21
27
22
24
14
8
6
12
11
9
40
39
51
52
48
63
10
10
16
16
18
31
18
15
4
9
44
45
55
50
55
58
24
22
30
25
32
30
30
28
24
44
41
43
17
9
11
21
26
24
56
94 103 108
72
92
31
36
36
39
24
34
136 134 134 122 154 140
63
65
58
66
68
67
6
14
17
33
23
26
3
8
7
10
11
12
96
83
79 104 128
66
34
33
36
57
57
28
55
54
64
54
65
52
24
27
30
21
31
24

Total

891

833

926

886

866

(% raising issues)

818

337

332

369

417

413

403

(38%) (40%) (40%) (47%) (48%) (49%)

In addition to identifying and initiating new casework during the reporting period, the Service
also carried forward work on 363 planning application cases which had been initiated inprevious years. The Service’s work on these cases largely consisted of providing advice to
The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

2

developers and to Council planning staff on the appropriate scale of fieldwork and standardsof reporting required to satisfy archaeological conditions on consents which had been
granted in earlier years and were being implemented during the reporting period.
A further component of this continuing casework role involves monitoring fieldwork carriedout by commercial archaeological organisations on behalf of the planning authority, and toprovide a measure of independent quality assurance for the developers. The level of thisactivity arguably constitutes a better measure of development activity on the ground than thenumber of planning applications lodged or consented. The number of such cases carriedforward in the reporting period was more than 4% greater than in the preceding year, andsustains a general trend towards increased numbers of cases carried forward from previous
years.

Other Casework 2016-2017
In addition to casework items generated from weekly lists and planning applications, a further
356 items of other new work were initiated in the report period. (See table below, figures forthe previous year in brackets).
Pre-application planning enquiries

94 (118)

Development Plan consultations

2(3)

Permitted Development enquiries

27

(36)

Scottish Rural Development Programme audits and other agri-environment matters

100

(75)

Other Archaeological Consultations

11

(15)

Historic Environment Record information management matters

86

(82)

General or Historic Environment Record enquiries

26

(39)

Policy liaison matters

10

(2)

Other (includes items sent in error)

0

(1)

356

(371)

Total 356

As expected, the levels of new casework in individual categories have varied, but once again
the overall total is within the range of normal annual fluctuations recorded over previous
reporting periods.
Pre-application planning enquiries
Although pre-application enquiries continue to be an important area of casework, there has
been a further reduction in the number of such consultations coming forward during thereporting period. It is not yet clear whether this is as a result of agents for the developers
utilising freely-available online information without consulting the Service for the advice
component of our services, or whether it constitutes an early sign of decreased development
activity or confidence going forward in the medium-term.
Pre-application engagement with the Service allows potential issues to be raised at an earlier
stage, allowing possible time delays and costs to be identified in advance, and potentiallyaddressed before an application is submitted. This speeds up the processing of major
applications, and may remove the need to attach archaeological conditions to planning
consents. The benefits of such early engagement have been recognized by the larger
developers in recent years, so a reduction in the numbers of such consultations may raise
concerns if sustained over a longer period.
The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

3Agri-environment matters
Although there would appear to have been a considerable rise in agri-environment caseworkover the reporting period, this in fact largely represents the level of invitations from Forestry
Commission Scotland Conservancy offices to comment on forestry applications they havereceived. The lack of uptake in fee-chargeable requests for HER information and land
management advice from agricultural advisers and forestry agents referred to in previous
reports has continued. This reduction in engagement with local authority archaeology
services has followed the withdrawal of central government’s support for the local authorities’
provision of information and advice from outwith the grants already paid to applicants, and is
now being reported across Scotland.
Historic Environment Record matters
Because of the sustained high levels of the planning application casework over recent years,
limited staff time has been available for updating the Historic Environment Record.
Nevertheless, during the reporting period 209 new site records were added to the Historic
Environment Record database, and amendments or additions were made to 8,078 existingsite records, partly with the assistance of information produced and provided by Historic
Environment Scotland. The number of new sites added to the HER, or amendments toexisting records in any given year tends to fluctuate downward in response to pressures ofwork in other casework areas, but can also rise as a result of partnership working
arrangements.
During the reporting period 253 archaeological event records were created, falling somewhat
from last year’s peak, but still the second-highest annual total. Despite this year’s fall theunderlying trend continues to rise in line with the short- to medium-term prediction made in
the two most recent annual reports. This category of work largely reflects the quantity of
post-excavation analysis and reporting work done by commercial archaeological contractors
after archaeological fieldwork which has been initiated as a result of development
management casework undertaken by the Archaeology Service in previous years.
A further confirmation of increased levels of archaeological work is reflected in the total of
321 archive records which were created within the HER, 51% more than in the previous
reporting year. The sustained rise in the reported number of these records is also
confirmation of the improved levels of reporting of archaeological fieldwork events of all kinds(excavations, field surveys, building recording surveys, watching briefs, desk based
assessments, etc.), including the activities of amateur archaeologists and the results ofacademic researchers’ work carried out in the member councils’ areas.
The underlying trend in report generation is likely to continue as 203 archaeological events ofall kinds were reported to the Service in 2016-17, and will be reported on in future years. This
10% annual rise continues the rising trend seen over the previous few years.
Policy matters and liaison with other bodies
During the reporting period, the Service was consulted on, and commented on Scottish
Government consultations on the future of the planning system, the relaxation of planning
controls for digital communications, the future of forestry in Scotland, and on other policy
matters relating to the Burial and Cremation (Scotland) Act 2016, the use of metal detectors
on archaeological sites, and on the management of historic battlefields.
During the reporting period, the Service was consulted on, and contributed to the continuing
development of Scotland’s Historic Environment Data Strategy (SHED Strategy), a national
strategy for the collation, management and exchange of historic environment data.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

4The Service represented the interests of the member councils on an Association of Local
Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO:Scotland) workgroup on the delivery of theaims of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy which was launched by Historic Environment
Scotland in 2015.
Through membership of the Scottish SMR Forum, the Service represented the interests ofthe member councils in discussions on data standards and collaborative working patterns
between HERs and other bodies including Historic Environment Scotland, The Improvement
Service, and the Treasure Trove Unit.
Public engagement and research assistanceDuring the reporting period, the Service assisted two PhD candidates with data for their
theses, and assisted or liaised with three local amateur archaeological or historical groups inthe preparation of local heritage fieldwork projects. In addition, a moderate number of othertelephone enquiries from the public were dealt with immediately through reference toinformation in the HER, but because of their short duration, did not trigger a formal timerecording entry in the Consultations Log module of the HER, and are thus not recorded in ourannual statistics.
The Service provided a detailed briefing for a Member of Parliament who had been
approached by constituents concerned about the treatment of battlefield heritage issues in
the handling of a housing application to the local authority.
The Service engaged further with Kilmartin House Museum and those academic researchersand community groups who contributed to the completion of the Regional ArchaeologicalResearch Framework for Argyll.
WoSAS staff accepted three invitations to speak to local history and archaeological interest
groups, two in South Lanarkshire and one in West Lothian.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

5

1

Running the Service

1.1

The Service’s Joint Committee met on two occasions, on 22 September 2016, and on
14 March 2017. In addition, the Convenor met with the Manager of the Service on 17
June 2016 to consider the pre-audited annual accounts and to authorize their release
for audit, as set out in governance procedures previously agreed with Audit Scotland.

1.2

The Service's Steering Group met four times during the year to consider various
matters in connection with the running of the Service, including the ongoingassessment of alternative future service delivery models.

1.3

During the reporting period, the Service prepared for a cost-neutral office relocation
within the same building. The office move is to bring the Service staff onto the same
floor as planning Officer colleagues, to improve informal contacts and to provide a
better working environment for staff.

1.4

The balance in the Service's reserve account at year end stood at £94,953 (seeAppendix 2). The level of financial reserves at the financial year end was higher than
had been predicted because of a sustained level of income from fee-earning
casework and because contingency spending was not needed. The level of financial
reserves remains within the range specified in the Service’s Reserves Policy.

1.5

The amount of external income generated by the Service over the report period wassustained at the previous year’s levels. Continuing review of the revised Access toInformation and Charging Policy approved by the Joint Committee in March 2015
suggest that there is no immediate need to review its provisions or charging rates.
Over the reporting period, the Service received £14,207 for the provision ofarchaeological information and advice to developers and their agents.

1.6

In line with the pattern reported last year, there has been no uptake from forestry
agents for archaeological information and advice since transitional payments from thenational agencies for the provision of such advice and information were phased out.
Despite Forestry Authority guidance on the validity of local authorities’ fee-charging
for this archaeological service, and clarification that such fees were eligible forpayment from the existing public grant, no such services were commissioned in thereporting period. Consultation with other local authority archaeological services
indicates that similar procedural failings are being experienced across Scotland.

1.7

Following the previous two years’ record increase in the proportion of planningapplications which were assessed as raising archaeological issues, a further increase
has been recorded in the latest reporting period. It now seems clear that this resultsfrom the Service’s successful and award-winning streamlined system of identifying
and assessing planning applications, which continues to incrementally reduce thenumber of precautionary casework referrals to the Service from non-archaeologicalstaff within the Councils. This reduces the WoSAS staff time spent on assessing andreturning “no issue” responses, and can reduce staff time-costs to those member
council planning services which reduce duplication of effort in casework filtering.

1.8

Although the level of long-lead-in period casework such as pre-application enquiries
has fallen slightly for a third year and may indicate a gradual slowing-down in future
development, the sustained high yearly totals of submitted planning applications
assessed as raising substantive issues, and the equally high levels of archaeologicalfieldwork projects and reports made over the reporting period confirms a continuing
short-term increase in the level of heritage-related enabling activities associated withsustained economic development.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

62

Historic Environment Record Maintenance and Development
2.1

During the report period 209 new site records were added to the Historic Environment
Record (HER) database, 8978 existing site records were amended, 253
archaeological events records were added, and 321 archive records (indexed andcross-referenced hyperlinks to reports received by the Service in digital format) werecreated. The generally modest degree of annual enhancement to the HER which
results from the Service currently having to prioritise planning casework wasenhanced in the reporting period by the receipt and integration of updated information
on 7985 existing sites, which was provided by Historic Environment Scotland.

2.2

The Service’s website (http://www.wosas.net) was updated over the report period witha further 27 news items from throughout the WoSAS area, and with quarterly updatesof the HER data. During the same period, there were over 630,000 “hits” on theService website.

2.3

The Service continued its liaison role with the national heritage agencies as themember Councils’ representative on the Association of Local Authority Archaeological
Officers (ALGAO:Scotland), taking on a more proactive role in the discussions on thedevelopment of links with other data providers. Engagement with these national
initiatives allowed the WoSAS HER to continue to contribute on a cost-neutral basis tothe shared data sources which are being developed under the Scottish Historic
Environment Data Strategy (SHED Strategy) under the leadership of the Scottish
SMR Forum, on which the Service sits on behalf of the member Councils, and on
which it represents their interests.

2.4

Continuing contact with the Spatial Information team of The Improvement Service
through the Scottish SMR Forum has ensured that the WoSAS HER meets with thenationally-established protocols required to comply with the INSPIRE (Scotland) 2009
Regulations concerning public data access. Discussions on cooperation with the
Improvement Service’s new Spatial Hub website continued and data submission
protocols were agreed with the Improvement Service. The Spatial Hub is designed toallow local authorities to meet their statutory responsibilities for spatial data accesswithout having to set up their own INSPIRE-compliant portals. In agreeing to provide
collated and curated HER data to the Spatial Hub on a regular basis, WoSAS willassist member councils to achieve this for historic environment data without additional
resource implications.

2.5

Throughout the reporting period, the Service engaged in the ‘OASIS validation’ ofdraft archaeological reports received by the HER following data entry or editing by theauthors. OASIS is a UK-wide national archaeological data repository set up at the
University of York with funding from national agencies. It is designed to holdarchaeological reports and information from across the heritage sector. Local
authorities have been given a major role in the validation of the reports generated,
and in integrating the finalised and validated information into local HERs so it remains
available for local researchers and the commercial sector in future.

2.6

During the report period, the Service assisted two PhD candidates with data for their
theses and with advice, and assisted three amateur archaeology groups with historic
environment data for their fieldwork purposes, or with advice on methodologies or
research themes. The Service also provided data and assistance to three otherindividuals or community groups who had need of historic environment advice, but
who had no archaeological expertise.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

7

3

Advice to Argyll and Bute Council
Development Plan Advice

3.1

There were no requests for assistance from the Council during the report period in
respect of development plan advice.
Development Management Advice

3.2

Over the report period 51 weekly lists of planning applications from the Council weremonitored by the Service and 160 new planning applications were identified asraising potential archaeological issues, 131 by the Archaeology Service and 29 byCouncil staff. In addition further work was done in respect of 71 planning applications
which had been submitted in previous years.

3.3

The 160 new planning applications were assessed by the Service in terms of thepolicy and guidance contained in Scottish Planning Policy and Planning Advice Note
2/2011. Of the 160 applications, 134 (83.65%) were actioned within 21 days (ourperformance standard is 80%), with the results set out in the table below:
Potential issues first identified by:

WoSAS

CouncilRefusal of planning application recommended
Archaeological assessment or evaluation prior to determination required
Negative suspensive condition requiring archaeological excavation
Archaeological watching brief condition required
Avoidance/protection within, or to side of development
Refer to Historic Environment Scotland (Scheduled or Listed asset)
No issue, or no action possible

Total of
cases

2
16
22
33
4
2
52
131

2
4
12
3
1

4
20
34
36
5
2
59
160

Totals729

Altogether, 101 of the 160 planning applications (63.1%) identified for detailed
assessment required some form of response to address the potential impacts of the
proposals on archaeological remains.
Casework examples
3.4

Refusal of the submitted planning application was recommended in respect of four
new proposals, three of which were small-scale developments close to nationally
important Scheduled Monuments, the landscape settings of which would have been
seriously affected by the proposals. A further application was for the erection of asmall telecoms mast on Colonsay, on a site in an area with a high density ofarchaeological sites from the prehistoric to post-medieval periods. In this latter case it
was recommended that despite the small scale of the development, the site selected
was too sensitive to allow development without compromising the important heritage
value of the local area, and it was suggested that the applicant identify an alternativesite. In accordance with national and local government policy for the historic
environment, refusal of the application as submitted was recommended.

3.5

The historical and archaeological importance of Iona has long been recognised, andimportant new information can come to light during quite small-scale development.
Archaeological work at the island’s Primary School appeared to reveal a previouslyunrecorded section of the vallum (monastic ditch) associated with the 7th/8th century
monastery. However, it now appears that the revetted ditch is a small recut of a much
more substantial ditch of possible Iron Age date. The base of this feature was notreached during the course of the work, but this earlier ditch appears to be over 2m

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

8

deep and 4m in wide. While it remains possible that the smaller ditch initially reported
could represent an element of the monastic enclosure, as the construction style issimilar to that recorded elsewhere, it raises questions about whether this could havebeen a re-use of a much earlier system of land division on the island. The surprises
from this small site continued to the end, as near the completion of the development,
monitoring of the construction of a drainage soakaway uncovered a large fragment of
an intricately-carved late medieval fan-headed cross, which may have been broken
and discarded after the Reformation.
3.6

The latest phase of archaeological evaluation at Kilmartin Quarry which was
anticipated in last year’s report uncovered a further series of Neolithic pits, and an
deposit of colluvium containing many sherds of Neolithic pottery. Unlike earlier
phases of work, the present extension appears to be revealing more domestic
remains, rather than the ritual remains found previously. The phased, full excavationof the significant features which will be threatened with destruction by the quarry is
set to continue, and may reveal more of the lives of the people who built the
impressive monuments further down the valley that survive to this day.

Other Advice within the Council's Area
3.7

During the report period advice was provided to a variety of clients, including Council
staff, in respect of 110 other items of casework, including 24 pre-applicationenquiries, 41 HER site information queries or public enquiries, and 12 enquiries fromstatutory undertakers.

3.8

The Service has continued to assist in the development of a Regional ArchaeologicalResearch Framework for Argyll, as a part of an Advisory Group for the project which
has been led by Kilmartin House Museum, with funding from the Society of
Antiquaries of Scotland.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

94

Advice to East Ayrshire Council
Development Plan Advice

4.1

There were no requests for assistance from the Council during the report period in
respect of development plan advice.
Development Management Advice

4.2

Over the report period 51 weekly lists of planning applications from the Council weremonitored by the Service and 94 new planning applications were identified as raisingpotential archaeological issues, 29 by the Archaeology Service and 65 by Council
staff. In addition further work was done in respect of 31 planning applications which
had been submitted in previous years.

4.3

The 94 new planning applications were assessed by the Service in terms of the policy
and guidance contained in Scottish Planning Policy and Planning Advice Note
2/2011. Of the 94 applications, 86 (91.4%) were actioned within 21 days (ourperformance standard is 80%), with the results set out in the table below:
Potential issues first identified by:

WoSAS

CouncilArchaeological assessment or evaluation prior to determination required
Negative suspensive condition requiring archaeological excavation
Archaeological watching brief condition required
Refer to Historic Environment Scotland (Scheduled or Listed asset)
No issue, or no action possible

Total of
cases

5
5
3
1
15
29

8
13
8

13
18
11
1
51
94

Totals36
65

Altogether, 43 of the 94 planning applications (45.7%) identified for detailed
assessment required some form of response to address the potential impacts of the
proposals on archaeological remains.
Casework examples
4.4

The major leisure and tourism development proposed within the nationally importantdesignated Garden and Designed Landscape surrounding Loudoun Castle, near
Galston, which this Service had recommended be refused, was called in for
determination by the Scottish Government. The Service has continued to support thecouncil in the preparation of arguments to sustain an objection to the development at
Public Local Inquiry. While in favour of the principle of the development, the council isof the view that the applicant has not provided sufficient information to judge whether
or not the project could succeed in its aims regarding the ruined castle without
detriment to the Garden and Designed Landscape and other heritage assets.

4.5

The Service helped to facilitate more modern research at Stoney Hill, southeast of
Muirkirk. Researchers wished to recover the remains of a crashed World War Two
Hawker Typhoon. The goal was to identify and recover any aircraft parts that could
provide information to fill in the details missing from the surviving engineeringdrawings, and to inform reconstruction of an example of the aircraft.
Other Advice within the Council's Area

4.7

During the report period advice was provided to a variety of clients, including Council
staff, in respect of 13 other items of casework, including 6 pre-application enquiries, 5
HER site information queries or public enquiries, and 1 enquiry from a statutory
undertaker.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

105

Advice to East Renfrewshire Council
Development Plan Advice

5.1

There were no requests for assistance from the Council during the report period in
respect of development plan advice.
Development Management Advice

5.2

Over the report period 50 weekly lists of planning applications from the Council weremonitored by the Service and 24 new planning applications were identified as raisingpotential archaeological issues, 13 by the Archaeology Service and 11 by Council
staff. In addition further work was done in respect of 9 planning applications which
had been submitted in previous years.

5.3

The 24 new planning applications were assessed by the Service in terms of the policy
and guidance contained in Scottish Planning Policy and Planning Advice Note
2/2011. Of the 24 applications, 23 (95.8%) were actioned within 21 days (ourperformance standard is 80%), with the results set out in the table below:
Potential issues first identified by:Archaeological assessment or evaluation prior to determination required
Negative suspensive condition requiring archaeological excavation
Archaeological watching brief condition required
No issue, no action possible, including no issue after further work

TotalsWoSAS

Council

Total of
cases

2
2
9
13

2
3
0
6
11

2
5
2
15
24

Altogether, 9 of the 24 planning applications (37.5%) identified for detailed
assessment required some form of response to address the potential impacts of the
proposals on archaeological remains.
Casework examples
5.4

The importance of assessing infrastructure works for archaeological impacts wasunderlined through the results of an upgrade of the Glasgow Road CSO scheme at
Waterfoot. Here, an archaeological watching brief was carried out during thepipeworks, and evidence of the lade associated with the eighteenth century Dripps
Mill was noted and recorded.

5.5

Desk-based work and non-intrusive fieldwork can also usefully precede finalisation ofdevelopment proposals. A historic environment assessment was required to inform a
programme of tree planting across an area of 32ha at Dyke Farm, Neilston. The
desk‐based assessment and walkover survey was designed to establish a soundbaseline report on the historic environment assets across the area. Five historic sites
were identified. Four of these sites were potentially within the planting area and noted
for avoidance: two 18th century farming settlements which unfortunately are poorly
located on the ground, an 18th century road, and a clearance cairn.
Other Advice within the Council's Area

5.6

During the report period advice was provided to a variety of clients, including Council
staff, in respect of 6 other items of casework, including 3 pre-application enquiries,
and 1 HER site information query.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

11

6

Advice to Glasgow City Council
Development Plan Advice

6.1

There were no requests for assistance from the Council during the report period in
respect of development plan advice.
Development Management Advice

6.2

Over the report period 53 weekly lists of planning applications from the Council weremonitored by the Service and 63 new planning applications were identified as raisingpotential archaeological issues, 44 by the Archaeology Service and 19 by Council
staff. In addition further work was done in respect of 25 planning applications which
had been submitted in previous years.

6.3

The 63 new planning applications were assessed by the Service in terms of the policy
and guidance contained in Scottish Planning Policy and Planning Advice Note
2/2011. Of the 63 applications, 51 (80.6%) were actioned within 21 days (ourperformance standard is 80%), with the results set out in the table below:
Potential issues first identified by:

Refusal of planning application recommended
Archaeological assessment or evaluation prior to determination required
Negative suspensive condition requiring archaeological excavation
Archaeological watching brief condition requiredStandings buildings survey condition
Refer to Historic Environment Scotland (Scheduled or Listed asset)
No issue, no action possible, including no issue after further work

Totals

WoSAS

8
12
1
1
21
43

Council

Total of
cases

1
2
4
1

1
10
16
2
1
1
32
63

1
11
20

Altogether, 31 of the 63 planning applications (49.2%) identified for detailed
assessment required some form of response to address the potential impacts of the
proposals on archaeological remains.
Casework examples
6.4

Following the large-scale open area excavations at the Partick Castle site referred toin last year’s report, the student housing was carefully constructed over the agreed
area of surviving remains. All the initial engineering and construction work was carriedout under the supervision of the archaeological contractor who had been employed to
excavate those remains that could not be preserved in situ. Post-excavation analysisof the remains excavated has now commenced and will reveal hitherto unknown
details of the main summer residence of the Bishops of Glasgow from the thirteenth
to sixteenth centuries.

6.5

The re-development of a large area in the Gorbals and Laurieston, on the south sideof Clyde close to the city centre reported on last year has commenced. After theagreed archaeological evaluation revealed significant surviving structures, a large
aopen area excavation revealed the site of the Gorbals Bell Foundry, aninternationally important production site for peals of bells until the early 20th century.
As the excavation progressed, details of the foundry’s layout and how it had
expanded and changed over time were recorded. Alongside the archaeologicalfieldwork, the post-excavation analysis and reporting will tie together source material
from other disciplines to provide a concise history of the site and its important role in
Scotland’s industrial heritage.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

12

Other Advice within the Council's Area
6.6

During the report period advice was provided to a variety of clients, including Council
staff, in respect of 30 other items of casework, including 12 pre-application enquiries,
16 HER site information queries or public enquiries, and 1 enquiry regarding statutory
undertakings.

6.7

During the report period the manager of the Service represented the Council on theAntonine Wall Research Group and contributed to discussions on the appointment of
a Project Officer who is to be responsible for coordinating management of theAntonine Wall World Heritage Site.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

13

7

Advice to North Ayrshire Council
Development Plan Advice

7.1

There were no requests for assistance from the Council during the report period in
respect of development plan advice.
Development Management Advice

7.2

Over the report period 51 weekly lists of planning applications from the Council weremonitored by the Service and 58 new planning applications were identified as raisingpotential archaeological issues, 41 by the Archaeology Service and 17 by Council
staff. In addition further work was done in respect of 23 planning applications which
had been submitted in previous years.

7.3

The 58 new planning applications were assessed by the Service in terms of the policy
and guidance contained in Scottish Planning Policy and Planning Advice Note
2/2011. Of the 58 applications, 55 (94.8%) were actioned within 21 days (ourperformance standard is 80%), with the results set out in the table below:
Potential issues first identified by:

WoSAS

CouncilArchaeological assessment or evaluation prior to determination required
Negative suspensive condition requiring archaeological excavation
Archaeological watching brief condition required
No issue, no action possible, including no issue after further work

Total of
cases

8
6
7
20
41

2
3
4
8
17

10
9
11
28
58

Totals

Altogether, 30 of the 58 planning applications (51.7%) identified for detailed
assessment required some form of response to address the potential impacts of the
proposals on archaeological remains.
Casework examples
7.4

A controlled topsoil strip and archaeological excavation was carried out on the site ofa new residential development with associated landscaping at Ardrossan Road,
Seamill. Earlier evaluation had found midden material at the south end of the site, andit was hoped that a settlement might be revealed in further work. Further pottery
fragments were uncovered during this phase of work and a refuse pit containing
further midden material, but no evidence of structural remains had survived. The
pottery assemblage dates to the late‐Medieval or early post‐Medieval period.

7.5

It is important that councils are seen to follow their own planning policies. During
evaluation of the Lamlash Cemetery Extension on Arran, archaeological monitoring
was recommended due to the proximity to a medieval chapel site. Although nomedieval remains were found, several small pit and post‐hole features and a series ofdark silt spreads were found, along with fragments of Arran Pitchstone, a local
material traded widely in prehistoric times for its desirability in tool-making anddecorative value. Further work to recover the prehistoric remains before theestablishment of the cemetery extension was recommended.
Other Advice within the Council's Area

7.6

During the report period advice was provided to a variety of clients, including Council
staff, in respect of 19 other items of casework, including 2 pre-application enquiries, 5
HER site information queries or public enquiries, and 2 enquiries from statutory
undertakers.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

148

Advice to Renfrewshire Council
Development Plan Advice

8.1

There were no requests for assistance from the Council during the report period in
respect of development plan advice.
Development Management Advice

8.2

Over the report period 51 weekly lists of planning applications from the Council weremonitored by the Service and 43 new planning applications were identified as raisingpotential archaeological issues, 32 by the Archaeology Service and 11 by Council
staff. In addition further work was done in respect of 18 planning applications which
had been submitted in previous years.

8.3

The 43 identified planning applications were assessed by the Service in terms of thepolicy and guidance contained in Scottish Planning Policy and Planning Advice Note
2/2011. Of the 43 applications, 42 (97.7%) were actioned within 21 days (ourperformance standard is 80%), with the results set out in the table below:
Potential issues first identified by:

Refusal of planning application recommended
Archaeological assessment or evaluation prior to determination required
Negative suspensive condition requiring archaeological excavation
Archaeological watching brief condition requiredStandings buildings survey condition
No issue, no action possible, including no issue after further work

Totals

WoSAS

8
8
2
1
13
32

Council

Total of
cases

1
2
2

1
10
10
2
1
19
43

6
11

Altogether, 24 of the 43 planning (55.8%) applications identified for detailed
assessment required some form of response to address the potential impacts of the
proposals on archaeological remains.
Casework examples
8.4

An archaeological Watching Brief and Historic Building Recording was undertaken
during the Heritage Lottery Fund supported consolidation of built remains which form
part of the designed landscape of Castle Semple Estate, Lochwinnoch. These
remains include an Ice House, Cave and three water cascade features located along
the Blackditch Burn within Courtshaw Wood.

8.5

Further archaeological fieldwork took place at the former Royal Ordnance Factory inBishopton. An Archaeological Mitigation Strategy was agreed after detailed
discussions between the Service and the developers’ archaeological contractor at theoutset of this major project. Further historic building remains were recorded and two
further areas of the former factory were able to be “signed off” after recording had
been completed satisfactorily.

8.6

The Service has been engaged in advising on the historic environment implications of
the council’s new City Deal projects, and has met with design teams in order tominimise risks associated with the proposals at an early stage.
Other Advice within the Council’s Area

8.7

During the report period advice was provided to a variety of clients, including Council
staff, in respect of 15 other items of casework, including 5 pre-application enquiries,and 4 HER site information queries or public enquiries.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

15

9

Advice to South Ayrshire Council
Development Plan Advice

9.1

There were no requests for advice from the Council in respect of the development
plan over the report period.
Development Management Advice

9.2

Over the report period 47 weekly lists of planning applications from the Council weremonitored by the Service and 92 new planning applications were identified as raisingpotential archaeological issues, 40 by the Archaeology Service and 52 by Council
staff. In addition further work was done in respect of 30 planning applications which
had been submitted in previous years.

9.3

The 92 new planning applications were assessed by the Service in terms of the policy
and guidance contained in Scottish Planning Policy and Planning Advice Note
2/2011. Of the 92 applications, 85 (92.5%) were actioned within 21 days (ourperformance standard is 80%), with the results set out in the table below:
Potential issues first identified by:

WoSAS

CouncilArchaeological assessment or evaluation prior to determination required
Negative suspensive condition requiring archaeological excavation
Archaeological watching brief condition required
Refer to Historic Environment Scotland (Scheduled or Listed asset)
No issue, no action possible, including no issue after further work

Total of
cases

7
6
7
1
19
40

1
7
5
0
39
52

8
13
12
1
58
92

Totals

Altogether, 34 of the 92 planning applications (37.0%) identified for detailed
assessment required some form of response to address the potential impacts of the
proposals on archaeological remains.
Casework examples
9.4

The Service advised in detail during the discussions and determination of the
proposals for a major redevelopment at Ayr Riverside, on a site at the very centre of
the medieval royal burgh of Ayr. This site is probably the most significant area of themedieval town, and despite later development, its sloping site may retain evidence ofthe life of the townsfolk from 1200AD onwards. The development team has engaged
seriously with the treatment of the sensitive historic environment issues, andarchaeological desk-based work is to be followed by intensive site work as
development proceeds.

9.5

A programme of archaeological investigation was carried out for the National Trust for
Scotland before an application to extend the car park near the Home Farm Visitor
Centre, at Culzean Castle. Significant quantities of worked lithics of early prehistoric
date were recovered from the site, suggesting that it had been a seasonal camp site
for hunter-gatherers during the Mesolithic period, perhaps 7,000 years ago.
Other Advice within the Council's Area

9.7

During the report period advice was provided to a variety of clients, including Council
staff, in respect of 23 other items of casework, which included 12 pre-applicationenquiries, 5 HER site information queries or public enquiries, and 3 enquiries fromstatutory undertakers.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

16

10

Advice to South Lanarkshire Council
Development Plan Advice

10.1

There were no requests for advice from the Council in respect of the development
plan over the report period.
Development Management Advice

10.2

Over the report period 52 weekly lists of planning applications from the Council weremonitored by the Service and 140 new planning applications were identified asraising potential archaeological issues, 67 by the Archaeology Service and 73 by
Council staff. In addition further work was done in respect of 94 planning applications
which had been submitted in previous years.

10.3

The 140 new planning applications were assessed by the Service in terms of thepolicy and guidance contained in Scottish Planning Policy and Planning Advice Note
2/2011. Of the 140 applications, 128 (91.4%) were actioned within 21 days (ourperformance standard is 80%), with the results set out in the table below:
Potential issues first identified by:

WoSAS

CouncilRefusal of planning application recommended
Archaeological assessment or evaluation prior to determination required
Negative suspensive condition requiring archaeological excavation
Archaeological watching brief condition requiredStandings buildings survey condition
Avoidance/protection within, or to side of development
Refer to Historic Environment Scotland (Scheduled or Listed asset)
No issue, or no action possible

Total of
cases

0
7
10
14
2
1

2
4
12
13

2
11
22
27
2
1
2
73
140

Totals

33
67

2
40
73

Altogether, 67 of the 140 planning applications (47.9%) identified for detailed
assessment required some form of response to address the potential impacts of the
proposals on archaeological remains.
Casework examples
10.4

Archaeological monitoring during the construction of the Clyde Wind Farm extension
between the Camps Reservoir east of Crawford and the River Tweed continued toconfound textbook models of prehistoric settlement in the Southern Uplands. At the
Public Local Inquiry into the first phase Clyde Wind Farm agents for the applicant
asserted that human activity in prehistory would have been limited to areas below
300m elevation, so archaeological mitigation was unnecessary above that level.
Nevertheless, evidence of settlement at high elevations has been found during
mitigation fieldwork in all subsequent phases. The latest work at around 380m
elevation has revealed a further sequence of prehistoric pits, reinforcing this Service’s
arguments that a combination of favourable past climatic conditions and the relative
height of sheltering higher ground around the sites identified has meant that it isunsafe to rely on a simplistic upper elevation figure to limit the scope ofarchaeological prospection, and that a range of complex factors will apply.

10.5

In contrast to the experience at the Clyde Wind Farm, archaeological monitoring atelevations between 240m and 340m during the construction of the Middle Muir Wind
Farm northwest of Crawfordjohn has uncovered no archaeological remains of note,
despite lying on the lee slopes of hills forming a shallow, sheltered landform

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

17

surrounded by prehistoric burial remains and other ritual sites, although at low spatial
densities. It is hoped that analysis of the reports on the archaeological mitigation work
carried out at these sites and others will help to improve our understanding ofsettlement patterns in the past, and what factors affected them.
Other Advice in the Council's Area
10.7

During the report period advice was provided to a variety of clients, including Council
staff, in respect of 62 other items of casework, including 11 pre-application enquiries,
15 HER site information queries or public enquiries, and 4 enquiries from statutory
undertakers.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

18

11

Advice to West Dunbartonshire Council
Development Plan Advice

11.1

There was one request for advice from the Council in respect of the development planover the report period.
Development Management Advice

11.2

Over the report period 52 weekly lists of planning applications from the Council weremonitored by the Service and 26 new planning applications were identified as raisingpotential archaeological issues, 13 by the Archaeology Service and 13 by Council
staff. In addition further work was done in respect of 11 planning applications which
had been submitted in previous years.

11.3

The 26 identified planning applications were assessed by the Service in terms of thepolicy and guidance contained in Scottish Planning Policy and Planning Advice Note
2/2011. Of the 26 applications, 23 (88.9%) were actioned within 21 days (ourperformance standard is 80%), with the results set out in the table below:
Potential issues first identified by:

WoSAS

CouncilArchaeological assessment or evaluation prior to determination required
Negative suspensive condition requiring archaeological excavation
Archaeological watching brief condition required
Refer to Historic Scotland (scheduled monument or listed building)
No issue, no action possible, including no issue after further work

Total of
cases

5
0
0
1
7
13

1
4
1
0
7
13

6
4
1
1
14
26

Totals

Altogether, 12 of the 26 planning applications (46.2%) identified for detailed
assessment required some form of response to address the potential impacts of the
proposals on archaeological remains.
Casework examples
11.4

Archaeological consultants for the developers of the Queens Quay site in Clydebank
engaged in discussions on the scope of work required to identify whether significant
pre-modern archaeological deposits might survive below the demolished former
shipyard remains which themselves only survive below ground level. The
establishment of reliable methods to identify surviving early remains of significance,
and to mitigate any adverse effects on them is one of the most challenging forms ofarchaeological development management.

11.5

Site evaluation trenching works and a subsequent watching brief at the site of newCouncil offices in Dumbarton were referred to in last year’s report, noting that they
had revealed the extent of the modern made ground at the eastern end of themedieval burgh. Once added to the HER, this information informed the assessment of
new applications for housing and retail outlets on adjacent land to the south. Analysisof the records of the elevation of the natural deposits observed at the base of
trenches in the Council offices site and comparison with the ground investigation logsof the former industrial site to the south confirmed that it would be unreasonable toexpect there to be significant archaeological survival on the newer application sites.
This analysis allowed the new applications to be assessed as raising no substantive
archaeological issue, and will allow a refinement of the defined historic settlement
area boundary associated with the medieval royal burgh of Dumbarton.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

19

Other Advice within the Council's Area
11.7

During the report period advice was provided to a variety of clients, including Council
staff, in respect of 21 other items of casework, including 5 pre-application enquiries,
14 HER site information queries or public enquiries, and one enquiry from a statutory
undertaker.

11.8

During the report period the manager of the Service also represented the Council on
the Antonine Wall Research Group and contributed to discussions on theappointment of a Project Officer who is to be responsible for coordinating
management of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

20

12

Advice to West Lothian Council
Development Plan Advice

12.1

There were no requests for advice from the Council in respect of the development
plan over the report period.
Development Management Advice

12.2

Over the report period 50 weekly lists of planning applications from the Council weremonitored by the Service and 66 new planning applications were identified as raisingpotential archaeological issues, 26 by the Archaeology Service and 40 by Council
staff. In addition further work was done in respect of 32 planning applications which
had been submitted in previous years.

12.3

The 66 new planning applications were assessed by the Service in terms of the policy
and guidance contained in Scottish Planning Policy and Planning Advice Note
2/2011. Of the 66 applications, 63 (95.4%) were actioned within 21 days (ourperformance standard is 80%), with the results set out in the table below:
Potential issues first identified by:

WoSAS

CouncilArchaeological assessment or evaluation prior to determination required
Negative suspensive condition requiring archaeological excavation
Archaeological watching brief condition required
Refer to Historic Environment Scotland (Scheduled or Listed asset)
No issue, no action possible, including no issue after further work

Total of
cases

5
4
3
1
13
26

2
6
7

7
10
10
1
38
66

Totals25
40

Altogether, 28 of the 66 planning applications (42.4%) identified for detailed
assessment required some form of response to address the potential impacts of the
proposals on archaeological remains.
Casework examples
12.4

The development of a site at Mid Calder for new housing was preceded byarchaeological historic building recording and intrusive fieldwork monitoring in searchof evidence of the earliest date for milling on the site. Fragments of the original stone
built mill building of 1764 were found and recorded, but no earlier remains wereidentified.

12.5

Post-excavation analysis of the results of the recent excavations at the former Bus
Station site near The Cross at the centre of the royal burgh of Linlithgow werereported to the HER. Subsequent work within the Service has led to the developmentof a new model for phased development of the burgh during the earlier part of its
medieval history, and this new model will now be tested through future development
management casework interventions as necessary.
Other Advice within the Council's Area

12.6

During the report period advice was provided to a variety of clients, including Council
staff, in respect of 23 other items of casework, including 8 pre-application enquiries,
12 HER site information queries or public enquiries, and 1 enquiry from a statutory
undertaker.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

21

13

Advice to the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority

13.1

Archaeological advice is provided to the National Park Authority planning service
under the terms of a chargeable Service Level Agreement covering the whole of the
National Park area. In the year 2016-17 the National Park Authority paid £16,667 to
the Service for archaeological planning advice, and other historic environment advice.
Development Plan Advice

13.2

There were no requests for advice and assistance from the Park Authority in respectof the local development plan over the report period.
Development Management Advice

13.3

Over the report period 50 weekly lists of planning applications from the Council weremonitored by the Service and 52 new planning applications were identified as raisingpotential archaeological issues, 16 by the Archaeology Service and 36 by Park
Authority staff. In addition further work was done in respect of 19 planningapplications which had been submitted in previous years.

13.4

The 52 identified planning applications were assessed by the Service in terms of thepolicy and guidance contained in Scottish Planning Policy and Planning Advice Note
2/2011. Of the 52 applications, 51 (98.0%) were actioned within 21 days (ourperformance standard is 80%), with the results set out in the table below:
Potential issues first identified by:

WoSAS

CouncilArchaeological assessment or evaluation prior to determination required
Negative suspensive condition requiring archaeological excavation
Archaeological watching brief condition requiredStandings buildings survey condition
Avoidance/protection within or to side of development
No issue, no action possible, including no issue after further work

Total of
cases

2
3
2
0
0
9
16

2
9
4
1
1
19
36

4
12
6
1
1
28
52

Totals

Altogether, 24 of the 52 planning applications (46.2%) identified for detailed
assessment required some form of response to address the potential impacts of the
proposals on archaeological remains.
Casework examples
13.5

An archaeological walkover survey was undertaken in association with the creation ofa cycle path between Tyndrum and Crianlarich at the northern end of the Loch
Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The walkover survey was recommended
because of the lack of detailed information in the HER about the landscape affected,
which had not previously been surveyed for archaeological purposes. The walkover
survey identified a total of eight sites in along the route of the proposed development,
four of which would be impacted by the development, and which were recommended
for avoidance or for mitigation of the adverse effects of the development.

13.6

A survey and watching brief were undertaken as part of the redevelopment of a siteon Main Street, Killin to try to establish the earliest date of activity on the site. The
survey identified a main mill lade channel aligned south-west to north-east, with asecondary lade diverting from it in an easterly direction. The watching brief wasundertaken within the footprint of the new house. Deeper deposits at the SW end of
this area mark the possible location of an earlier overflow channel or waster-sluice

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

22

from the lade, which was depicted on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map of the
area.
Other Advice within the National Park Authority’s Area
13.7

During the report period advice was provided to a variety of clients, including National
Park Authority staff, in respect of 20 other items of casework including 6 preapplication enquiries, 9 forestry consultations, 4 HER site information queries or
public enquiries, and 1 enquiry from a statutory undertaker.

13.8

During the report period the manager of the Service also represented the National
Park Authority in online discussions with other members of the National Parks
Historic Environment Working Group and contributed to discussions on policy mattersrelevant to the Park.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

23

14

Information and Advice to Developers/Agents and to Statutory Undertakers

14.1

There were 94 requests for pre-application information and advice from developers or
their agents, including 36 requests for Historic Environment Record digital extracts. In
addition, detailed advice on the implementation of planning conditions was provided
to archaeological contractors working for developers on 69 cases where planningpermission had been granted in previous years. There were 27 requests forassistance in connection with Scottish Water, Scottish Water Solutions, Scottish
Power, Scottish and Southern Electricity, Transerve, and Transport Scotland
proposals. During the reporting period the provision of assistance to developers andtheir agents in accordance with the WoSAS Access to Information and Charging
Policy generated £14,207 income for the Service.

15

Agri-Environment Advice

15.1

As has been reported in the previous two years, following changes to national agrienvironment schemes and their treatment of historic environment assets within thescheme site boundaries, the national agencies for forestry and for the historic
environment confirmed that any charges which might be levied by council
archaeological services for providing information and advice in support of grantapplications should be funded from within the overall grants paid to the applicants
and their agents by central government. This replaced a transitional arrangement
which had previously been in place, whereby Historic Scotland had directly supported
the local authorities in the provision of the necessary information and advice withseparate grant-aid.

15.2

Since January 2015 requests for information and advice have been received from theforestry agents and agricultural advisers, but despite continuing clarification andadditional procedural guidance from the Forestry Commission Scotland, the Service’soffers to supply information and advice in line with our approved Access toInformation and Charging Policy have continued to be declined. Consequently,
except in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park area where the National
Park Authority has itself underwritten the costs of providing such a service, any suchconsultations are treated as un-resourced work, and removed from our priority workload lists.

15.3

When other caseloads permit, the Service continues to respond to the Forestry
Authority’s Conservators invitations for comments on new forestry proposals, felling
licenses, and management plans when these are sent as part of the Forestry
Authority’s Local Authority consultation process. However, as this consultation role is
not considered to be part of the core planning function of the Service, consultation
responses are not prioritised within the workstream, and are limited to the provision ofgeneral advice and summary information, or to drawing attention to what appears to
be incomplete or inadequate provision for the historic environment within the
proposals where this is apparent.

The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

24Appendix 1
Annual Performance Statistics 2016-17 (figures for the previous year in brackets forcomparison)

Monitoring of Weekly lists of planning applications
The performance standard in the WoSAS Service Level Agreement for this area ofwork is for 90% to be monitored and actioned within 14 calendar days of receipt.
Performance

99.82%(97.28%)Planning and Listed Building Consultations
The performance standard in the WoSAS Service Level Agreement for this area ofwork is for 80% to be actioned within 21 calendar days of receipt.
Planning Applications
Argyll & Bute
East Ayrshire
East Renfrewshire
Glasgow City
North Ayrshire
Renfrewshire
South Ayrshire
South Lanarkshire
West Dunbartonshire
West LothianLoch Lomond & The Trossachs

83.65%
91.40%
95.83%
80.65%
94.83%
97.67%
92.47%
91.43%
88.89%
95.39%
98.00%(85.53%)(88.89%)(100.00%)(87.50%)(81.82%)(95.12%)(87.50%)(86.36%)(90.91%)(85.94%)(84.62%)Overall Planning Application Performance

90.54%(87.07%)

Other Work Areas
The performance standard for this area of work is for 80% to be actioned within 21
calendar days of receipt.
SRDP/Forestry Casework
Pre-Application Enquiries
Permitted Dev’t/Statutory Undertakings
Other Archaeological Consultations
General/HER Enquiries

77.00%
87.64%
76.92%
87.50%
100.00%(84.21%)(87.07%)(84.38%)(85.71%)(97.37%)Overall Other Work Performance

83.47%(87.32%)The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

25Appendix 2

WEST OF SCOTLAND ARCHAEOLOGY SERVICEINCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTFOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 20172015/16£2016/17£
Income128,095
30,867652

Contribution from participating authorities
Fees & Charges
Interest on balances

128,095
30,874609

159, 614

Total Income

159, 578

Expenditure
Employee Costs

147,632

Salaries, NI & Superannuation &Employee Related Costs

150,841

Administration Costs
140
3,764
6,700
2,900
117
0
0
1,910
15,531Fees & Subscriptions
Travel & Subsistence
Rents
Equipment Purchase & maintenance
Catering
Building repairs and security
Purchase of services (miscellaneous)
Audit Fee

140
2,145
6,700
2,900
32
0
0
1,880
15,531

163,163

Total Expenditure

164,638(3,549)103,562

Surplus/(Deficit) for Year
Surplus Brought Forward(5,060)100,013100,013

Accumulated Surplus

94,953The Archaeology Service of the Councils of Argyll & Bute, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow City,
North Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, West Dunbartonshire and West Lothian,and of the Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park Authority.

26