Archaeologists inspecting AWPR site reveal their findings

Archaelogists have made a number of discoveries around the new Aberdeen bypass.

The findings shed light on north east life over the past 15,000 years, including Mesolithic pits, Roman bread ovens, prehistoric roundhouses and a cremation complex.

Specialists have been analysing the artefacts and samples recovered from the various sites and will be detailing the results in a new limited edition book due to be published later this year.

Bruce Mann, Archaeologist for Aberdeenshire Council and Aberdeen City Council, explained: “There has been a range of fascinating discoveries from the archaeological works carried out on site. Some raise more questions than they answer about what we thought we knew about the north east.

"For instance, a very unexpected discovery was the presence of Roman activity at Milltimber, likely dating from around 83/84 AD.

"Ninety bread ovens were uncovered, which were probably constructed by the Roman army at a time of invasion led by the Roman General Agricola. However, no evidence of an associated camp was found, which is unusual for these types of features.

"We can only speculate as to why the ovens were at this specific location, and what it says about what was happening in the area at the time.”

The discoveries made during the works were not confined to the environs of the River Dee.

A structure dating between 7,000 BC to 6,700 BC was also found at Standingstones, in the hills to the west of Dyce.

This tent-like shelter was likely only used for a few nights by a small group of people while they collected nuts, berries and tubers or hunted animals in the immediate area.

Bruce added: “These archaeological finds provide real insight into the history and culture of the north east. They are impressive in both in time depth and range of activities represented. They push back known human activity in the region by at least 2,000 years, add new detail to how our ancestors lived and died, and reveal a new dimension to Rome’s invasions of Scotland.”

Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work said: “When complete, the AWPR will help to reduce congestion, cut journey times, improve safety and lower pollution in Aberdeen City Centre, as well as enable local authorities to develop public transport solutions.

"However, the archaeology has also proven to be yet another huge benefit coming from this project, helping to shine a light on Scotland’s ancient past.

“The discoveries along the AWPR route, which would have remained undiscovered had the new bypass not been built, are truly remarkable and underline the importance of the value we place on meeting our environmental obligations as we plan and construct this new infrastructure."