Buried secrets

Leith tram works uncover ancient bones.

Archaeologists from Headland monitoring the utility diversion work on Constitution Street have made a startling discovery – the unexpected unearthing of burials below the street outside South Leith Parish Church graveyard.

John Lawson, city archaeologist, said: “Since the archaeological excavations began in mid-April, a number of burials have been recovered.

“Some of them appear to have been partially disturbed by various cuts, possibly associated with construction work in the 18th century when the tenements were built, and most recently by modern services.”

The unearthed human remains are currently being carefully recorded and lifted by archaeologists. Detailed analysis of the skeletal material will reveal a lot more information on the medieval and post-medieval population of Leith.

The excavations are conducted by Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd for tie Ltd and the Council’s Archaeology Service ahead of the construction of Edinburgh trams.

Constitution Street was identified by the Council’s archaeologist right from the beginning of the tram project as a highly sensitive archaeological zone, principally because of its proximity to the early medieval core of Leith and the later 16th and 17th century town defences.