HUMAN skeletons which date back 700 years have been unearthed when work was starting on Edinburgh’s tram expansion.
Archaeologists have discovered ten bodies so far in medieval graves dating from 1300 and 1650 outside South Leith Parish Church, before work begins to expand trams to Newhaven.
Previous investigations have shown that in the medieval period the church’s graveyard extended across the road with graves surviving beneath the current road surface.
After the bodies have been excavated the remains will be undergo examination and analysis that will reveal information on the origins, health, diseases and diet of the people of medieval Leith.
Council archaeologist John Lawson said: “The historic port and town of Leith is one of Scotland’s most significant urban archaeological sites with evidence of occupation going back over 900 years.
“Although only just started, the excavations by our team have already provided important new evidence regarding the history of the graveyard and earlier town with the discovery of what we believe are the remains of its original medieval graveyard wall.
“It is hoped that further new discoveries will be made and that we will learn important new evidence for the lives of Leith’s medieval inhabitants so that we can tell their story to modern Leithers.”
Depute leader Cammy Day said: “This is an extremely fascinating, essential part of the broader project to bring the tram to Newhaven, shedding some light on centuries of history here in Leith.
“It’s crucial that we conserve the remains found here, and a team of archaeologists are carrying out the painstaking job of doing this.
“What’s more, further examination of the excavated graves will give us an invaluable glimpse into the lives of Leithers past.”
