Human remains removed for Edinburgh trams extension

Archaeologists in Edinburgh are removing human remains from outside South Leith Parish Church.

Excavation of the remains dating as far back as the 1300s has started on Constitution Street as part of work to extend the tram line to Newhaven.

The church's graveyard extended across the road in the the medieval period.

The team are removing any human remains that are likely to be affected by the tram works, and have so far exhumed more than ten bodies, dating from between 1300 and 1650, as well as finding the apparent remnants of the original medieval graveyard wall.

After the excavation the remains will be subject to examination and analysis that will reveal information on the origins, health, diseases and diet of the people of medieval Leith.

"It’s crucial that we conserve the remains found here" - DEPUTE LEADER CAMMY DAY

Depute Leader Cammy Day told Radio Forth News: "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."

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes commented: "The Trams to Newhaven project is now up and running again and progressing well, as the main works get underway on Leith Walk.

"This element of the scheme is just as important as track-laying or landscaping and allows us to conserve a small piece of the area’s heritage for generations to come."

Council Archaeologist John Lawson added: "The historic port and town of Leith is one of the 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 from GUARD 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."