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Forthbank Wind Energy Development
some of the less tangible elements of the historic environment. These elements make a
fundamental contribution to our sense of place and cultural identity”
10.2.48 In defining setting, an Annexe entitled ‘Assessment of Impact on the Setting of the Historic
Environment Resource – some general considerations’, issued by Historic Scotland (2009)
recognises that “the archaeological/historic context, the visual appearance and the aesthetic
qualities of a site’s surroundings play an important role in modern perceptions of the site and
that the alteration of those qualities has the potential to impact upon its character and value.” In
addition, the Institute for Archaeologists has recently established a working party to address
this issue. On the basis of the above, Colcutt’s (1999) definition of setting, as summarised in
Lambrick (2008, below) is used as follows:
• intrinsic visual interest and listing visual qualities;
• topographic setting, identifying visual relationships to topography and natural
features that can be linked with the function of the site or the reason for placement
of the site in the landscape;
• landuse setting, identifying whether the landuse is sympathetic to the site’s
intellectual understanding;
• group setting including both contemporary and diachronic groupings or patterning,
listing other sites, above or below ground that could assist with creating a network of
relationships. This should acknowledge any spatial element.
10.3 Baseline Description
Core Study Area
10.3.1 All known cultural heritage resources were identified within a 1.5km radius of the application
area as defined by the black line boundary on Figure 10.1.
10.3.2 An assessment of the records held by the National Monuments Record of Scotland (NMRS)
was undertaken. These records consist of a computer database of all the known
archaeological sites and monuments in Scotland, with associated oblique aerial photographs
where appropriate. This assessment provided information on the range of known monuments
within 10km of the application area.
10.3.3 An assessment of the records provided by the Fife Sites and Monuments Record and the
Stirling and Clackmannanshire Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) was undertaken.
10.3.4 An examination of early cartographic sources and relevant Ordnance Survey editions was
undertaken to identify potential cultural heritage features within and outwith the application
area. Geological maps of the study area supplied by Landmark mapping were also consulted.
10.3.5 A site visit and inspection was carried out to assess the potential survival of any visible
archaeological monuments within the core study and their condition and extent, where
appropriate.
November 2010 Chapter 10 Page 12
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