Ancient graves cast new light on history

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have unearthed more than 200 medieval skeletons on a farm.

The graves were discovered when a farmer struck bones while ploughing a field near North Berwick, East Lothian.

Archaeologists have described the find as "extremely interesting".

They have also uncovered the remains of a chapel, thought to be medieval or older and a number of other artefacts including medieval ring brooches.

The discovery was made at Auldhame Farm near Tantallon Castle.

The archaeological team now hope the discovery will be linked to St Baldred, who founded a monastery at nearby Tyninghame and lived a life of solitude on the Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth before his death in AD 756.

John Gooder, senior project officer with AOC Archaeology, which is carrying out the Auldhame excavation work on behalf of Historic Scotland, said: "The excavation provides an exciting addition to East Lothian’s rich heritage.

"It’s particularly important that we are unearthing remains from more than one period. "

Patrick Ashmore, the principal inspector of ancient monuments for Historic Scotland added: "I have a real feeling that the recent work in East Lothian is going to make us rewrite its prehistory and early history, and Auldhame will be a vital part of that."