Skeletons halt work on clinic

[Melvadius]

A somewhat confused story has been published in the Scotsman (copied from the Edinburgh Evening News). The article is citing some significant finds at the site of a new Health Centre in Musselburgh from at least 5,000 years ago up to the Roamn period. The finds are not clearly sorted into period in the reports but include flints, some decapitated skeletal remains (only mentioned in passing) as well as Roman material including a possible fortlet ditch.

 

The confusion is not helped by the linked press release by NHS lothian claiming that "Roman remains dating from 140AD, including human skeletons with decapitated skulls have been found north of the Border for the first time". If they exist it is unclear what period the 'decapitated skulls' come from but a Roman presence including a fort in the Musselburgh area has long been known about although this site seems to be some distance from the known fort.

 

IT IS a major public sector building project which has been delayed, causing headaches for bosses and the public.

 

But it is decapitated skeletons and 2000-year-old forts rather than red tape and swelling costs that have caused the hold-up for the new health centre in Musselburgh.

 

Progress on the site has been delayed by at least six months after significant Roman remains were discovered.

 

Now architects have revealed the extent of their discoveries, which include human remains, the bones of horses and weapons and culinary tools.

 

Archeologists there said the "unique" finds, among the most impressive ever discovered in Scotland from that period, will help build a picture not only of Roman activity in Musselburgh from 140AD, but improve the wider understanding of life at that time.

 

There are a couple of good pictures with the Scotsman article including what seems to be a 'cist' burial but in a circular pit which I believe is a relaticvely rare form.

 

N.B. Unfortunately CFA Archaeology, who have done the excavation, don't seem to update their own sites 'news' page very often - the latest news is from 2007 so it wasn't worth linking into this story.