Human remains thought to date back to the 17th century or earlier have been discovered during excavation works at a playground in Edinburgh.

Morrison Construction is underway with building new classrooms at St Mary's Primary School in Leith.

However, the outline of at least nine coffins have been discovered in the playground of the school.

The findings follow the discovery of a skeleton during investigative works over the Easter break.


While the site of the remains has been fenced off, it is estimated the new classrooms will no longer be open in time for the new school term due to further necessary archaeological analysis, expected to last until the end of June.

John Lawson, City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist, said: "Leith and the surrounding area has a rich archaeological history. These excavations have unearthed what appears to be a complex cemetery thought to date from the 15th to the 17th centuries, containing at least nine graves including adults and young children buried in coffins.

"The discoveries of these burials in this location, although always a possibility, is nevertheless a surprise. Further excavations will reveal more evidence which will allow us to accurately date these burials and how they relate to the history of Leith."

(LM/JP)