More quarry troubles | Forum — The Modern Antiquarian

Pete G Jan 23, 2004 12:21:02

RESIDENTS living close to an island quarry fear its planned expansion could affect an internationally renowned archaeological site.

Orkney Islands Council will next week consider a planning application to extend the islands’ largest quarry on Heddle Hill in Finstown which is near the Neolithic sites of Maeshowe, the Ring of Brodgar, the Stones of Stenness and Skara Brae, classed as a World Heritage Site.

Opponents of the planned expansion by Orkney Aggregates Ltd say that it would breach council regulations and have significant visual, geological and environmental impacts.
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=84342004
it looks like all our ancient sites will soon be surrounded by a quarry!
PeteG

greywether Jan 23, 2004 13:06:37

Replying to Pete G

Typical of Historic Scotland not to object. It's not affecting a castle after all.

I've emailed article to Council for Scottish Archaeology CSA) for their views.

greywether Jan 23, 2004 14:44:35

Replying to Pete G

Now that I've had a look at the map - Heddle Hill is quite far away from Maes Howe etc. An existing quarry is close to Cuween Hill (just appearing as "Ch" on this map)

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=333500&y=1012500&z=4&sv=333500,1012500&st=4&ar=N&dn=840

So maybe that is the greater threat and we can't say from the map how landscape views would be affected. Need some local knowledge here - Wideford or Orkneyjar.