11. Reporting

11.1. Overview

  1. Each Archaeological Report will be consistent with this WSI and the Crown Estate (2021) guidance on reporting, and will demonstrate sufficient planning, recording, and data management, with a commitment to archiving and the public dissemination of results. Each draft report will satisfy the MS for that particular investigation and will present the project information in sufficient detail to allow interpretation without recourse to the project archive.
  2. All Archaeological Reports will be prepared in accordance with the guidance given in the relevant CIfA’s Standards and Guidance and conform to Monument Inventory Data Standard (MIDAS) (the UK’s historic environment data standard). Reports will typically include:
  • a Non-Technical Summary (NTS);
  • the aims and methods of the work;
  • the results of the work including finds and environment remains;
  • a statement of the potential of the results;
  • proposals for further analysis and publication; and
  • illustrations and appendices to support the report.
  1. The RA will forward a hard copy and digital (.pdf) copy of each report to the Archaeological Contractor and the Applicant. All Archaeological Reports (inclusive of geophysical and geotechnical investigations) produced during the development and construction process will be submitted to OASIS.
  2. Decisions regarding the level of post-excavation work required will be taken following submission of investigative reports and consultation with the AC.
  3. An overarching final report on the marine archaeology recorded within the Array will be produced by the RA after the completion of the archaeological works relating to the Array. If little of significance is found during the construction phase, a final report on the investigative work will be prepared by the RA/Archaeological Contractor within six weeks of works being completed. The final report will establish final arrangements for publication.

11.2. Publication

  1. Subject to the assessment report the RA/Archaeological Contractor will publish the results of fieldwork, at least to summary level, within one year of completion of the work. Publication will be in an appropriate local or national journal. Other forms of publication (e.g. popular publication/internet) may be employed where appropriate.
  2. Publication media and all publication matters will be discussed and agreed in advance with the AC.

11.3. Archives

  1. The Archaeological Contractor will be notified of any archaeological investigations in advance and any specific requirements related to the preparation and deposition of the Array archives will be accommodated as appropriate. Archives will be developed in line with guidance including:
  • Standard and guidance for the creation, compilation, transfer and deposition of archaeological archives (CIfA, 2014b).
  • Environmental guidelines for the permanent storage of excavated material from archaeological sites (Institute of Conservation, 1984).
  • Guidelines for the preparation of excavation archives for long-term storage (Walker, 1990).
  1. Where there is the likelihood of any archaeological investigations, the RA will contact an appropriate receiving institution to discuss the intended fieldwork and seek its agreement to accept the site archive for long-term storage and curation. The RA will consult with the receiving institution with regard to its policy on the selection, retention and disposal of archaeological material and to confirm the requirements in respect of the format, presentation and packaging of archive records and materials.
  2. The final Archaeological Report should be archived with HES for incorporation into the NRHE. An OASIS form will be produced for each deemed Marine Licence (ML) and all copies of any reports generated (e.g. geophysical, geotechnical data analysis) and agreed with the relevant curatorial body are to be attached as data files in compliance with the appropriate standards. A copy of the final reports will be submitted to Aberdeenshire, Scottish Borders, East Lothian and Fife Historic Environment Record.
  3. The timetable for depositing archives with the receiving institution after completion of the post-fieldwork programme will be set out in the relevant MS. For Scotland, HES is the repository for all fieldwork records generated during archaeological fieldwork.

12. Monitoring and Reviewing the WSI and PAD

  1. At each stage of the Array including construction, operation and maintenance and decommissioning and sub-stages therein, the RA will advise the Applicant as to the potential requirements for the specific archaeological investigations as outlined in this document. Appropriate MSs will be prepared as required in line with the requirements of the WSI and these will be submitted to MD-LOT for onward submission to the AC for approval. Approval by the AC will be assumed if no response is received within 30 working days of submission.
  2. These MSs will include provision for the AC to monitor the progress of the archaeological investigations as appropriate.
  3. Provision will be made for the WSI and PAD to be revised as appropriate should elements of the Array change (within the Maximum Design Scenario (MDS)) or particular archaeological issues come to light. Any revisions will be prepared by the RA and submitted to the Applicant who will ensure they are submitted to MD-LOT for onward submission to the AC. Approval by the AC will be assumed if no response is received within 30 working days of submission.
  4. The performance of the WSI and PAD will be monitored through the provision of a series of Archaeological Reports prepared to inform on the results of various activities undertaken under its auspices. These include a review of new geophysical, geotechnical and environmental data and the implementation of the PAD (volume 3, appendix 19.2, annex A). These reports will be submitted to the Applicant who will ensure dissemination to MD-LOT and onward submission to the AC.
  5. The Applicant and the RA will agree the system for archaeological reporting.
  6. MD-LOT, as the first point of contact for consultation on archaeological matters relating to the fulfilment of the ML, will be notified in advance by the Applicant/RA of work timetables and the commencement of any work on site that may affect the site’s archaeology and will be informed at this time of the RA’s key staff. A programme of monitoring visits (if appropriate) by the AC will be agreed in advance of the commencement of construction activities and again as appropriate during operation and maintenance and decommissioning activities.
  7. The Applicant will be kept informed of any contact between the RA and the AC.