Archaeologists dig the dirt on rare medieval farm find

A team of archaeologists have discovered the remains of a 12th-century building, a garden wall and fragments of pottery from the same era in the grounds of the Norton House Hotel, near Ingliston.

They hope the find will shed new light on early farming in Scotland. The find comes after archaeologists were called in as a condition of the hotel's planning permission for an 8.5 million extension. It is not thought the discovery will delay building work due to start in January.

The hotel is a Victorian mansion, built for the Usher brewing family and set in 55 acres of parkland, which dates back to 1840.

However, historical records show that the "fermtoun" of Norton was established there as early as 1290. The farm building appears to date back to 1150.

John Lawson, city archaeologist with the council, described the discovery as possibly being of national significance.

He said: "We suspected we may find something during the dig because of the historical records.

"The exciting thing is there is very little known about the early farm settlements on the outskirts of Edinburgh and this find will hopefully give us a real insight.

"The remains that have been discovered include one large structure, a boundary wall and lots of fragments of pottery, as well as part of what appears to be a cobbled walkway.

"It's a very exciting and important find."

Archaeologists from Glasgow University have been carrying out the dig, which has been overseen by Mr Lawson.

Dr David Swan, of Glasgow University's archaeological research division, said: "The really interesting thing about this site is that there is actually very little evidence available of early farm settlements in Scotland, although they are known to have existed in this area, although not as late as this.

"The whole site is going to be excavated and the remains removed for laboratory analysis and research purposes, which will lead to the compiling of a full report on the site."

Two years ago medieval remains dating back to the 12th century were discovered opposite the building site of the new Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters at Gogarburn.

Four years ago archaeologists unearthed an Iron Age chariot on the building site of the planned Edinburgh Interchange development, near Newbridge, in what was described as one of the most important historical finds in Scotland. The extension to Norton House - previously owned by Rangers tycoon David Murray and the entrepreneur Richard Branson - will see the creation of 36 extra bedrooms, a new conference suite and a health spa.

The land where the settlement has been discovered is earmarked for the extension and will be completely excavated before building work can begin.

Ian Maxey, manager of the extension project at the hotel, said: "The building work is due to get under way in January and that's always been the case. There's no need to delay things at all and the entire project should be completed within 15 months."