Digging the dirt on Leith's past

The archaeological dig next to the 110-home apartment block at Ronaldson’s Wharf is regarded by experts as one of the most significant medieval excavations in Scotland.

Six archaeologists have been digging the final 12-metre-square section and have uncovered evidence of settlement dating back as early as the 11th century.

Other artefacts show the trading links that may have once existed between Leith and other countries, as well as other surprising finds including Chinese and Japanese pottery and 16th century cannonballs.

City archaeologist John Lawson said: "As a whole, this is one of the most important medieval sites in the whole of Scotland.

"Some of the pottery we have found is very interesting indeed and closely linked with the remains of the buildings. When our analysis is complete, this will give an idea of what medieval life and trade was really like."

Work on the site in Sandport Street began in 1997, but experts have only recently had access to the final section of land. They are expected to finish their on-site work by the end of June before work starts on a new block of flats.

They have already uncovered the remains of early medieval settlements from the 12th century and among the discoveries are post holes which would have held up single-storey wooden homes dating back to the 11th century.

The posts would have been replaced by stone buildings in the 14th century and then tenements in the 17th and 18th century. And the archaeologists have also found domestic and industrial rubbish pits, pottery, animal bones and iron work from as early as the 12th century.

Mr Lawson said: "The urban excavations show evidence of settlement possibly dating back to the 11th century. This would pre-date the earliest known foundation charter in 1128 at Holyrood Abbey - maybe by up to 100 years ."

Other artefacts unearthed include bread ovens and an extensive range of pottery from the 12th century showing links between Leith and the Baltic region as well as the Rhine, the Mediterranean countries, France and Spain.

Mr Lawson said: "It showed Leith was a very important part of the trade routes."

Discoveries from later periods of history included preserved cannonballs which represent evidence of the siege of Leith by the English army in the mid-16th century and Chinese and Japanese pottery from the 18th century.

Mr Lawson said experts would now start analysing the artefacts and a report will be completed, although the extensive research required could mean it takes more than two years.

He said: "We’ll be looking closely at the artefacts over the next few years.

"Hopefully some of the examples can then be displayed in the Edinburgh area - some of it has already been shown in Leith - although it’s too early to say where it could go yet."

The city’s recreation leader, councillor Steve Cardownie, said the discoveries show the importance of Leith’s historic connections .

He added: "It was a huge trading port and it would be very interesting to see what has been found on this site. Hopefully, it can be displayed in Leith at some point in the future to show people the past which we have as a major maritime port."