Roman ruins dug up at campus site

Archaeologists discovered the large cobbled area and three ditches during an excavation of the old Moray House site in Cramond Road North in the north-west of the city.

A number of artefacts such as shards of amphora - narrow-necked jars commonly used for storing wine, oil and water - were also found at the site, along with pottery and metal work.

Experts believe the area marked the outer "suburbs" of a Roman settlement and surrounded the 1800-year-old Roman fort.

Now, city officials have invited the public to view the remains tomorrow before developers transform the former university campus into 155 homes.

The findings of the excavation will be recorded for posterity by archaeologists as the developers, Bryant Homes and AMA (New Town), prepare to start work on the multi-million pound project.

Edinburgh City Council archaeologist John Lawson said: "The Roman ruins at Cramond are extensive and of national significance.

"Recording this section of the site will give us a better understanding of the Roman landscape at Cramond.

"The development on this site has given us possibly the last opportunity to carry out this significant research."

John Gooder, project manager and the developers’ archaeologist for AOC Archaeology, said: "The excavation, while on the periphery of the Roman site, has not only been of value in revealing previously unknown ditched earthworks, but it has also confirmed the alignment of a road approaching the site."

The housing scheme was granted planning permission earlier this year, but the developers were required to carry out an excavation for archaeological remains before work began.

Under the scheme, 155 houses will be built, along with a sports pavilion, playing fields and other recreational facilities.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Cramond Lioness was set to be returned to the area as part of a 2 million vision for an exhibition to showcase the Roman ruins near where it was found.

The statue, which was unearthed by ferryman Robert Graham in the mud of the River Almond in 1997, was one of the most important Roman finds for decades.

Mr Graham received a 50,000 reward for his efforts in recovering the artifact, which has been restored to its former glory by experts at the National Museums of Scotland.

The return of the lioness is the main feature in a conservation and management plan for Cramond which has been drawn up by a working party made up of heritage watchdogs and city officials.

City leaders have earmarked The Kennels ruins, Cramond House, The Maltings, a small museum and a nearby bath house as possible sites for the interpretation centre.

Edinburgh City Council will inject up to 475,000 into the 2m project, with the remainder coming from lottery cash and groups such as Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Scotland.

Cramond stands out as only one of three Scottish sites associated with Roman Emperor Severus, making the site hugely important in British Roman history.

Information and interpretation panels will provide visitors with an insight into life at the 1800-year-old fort near Cramond Kirk.

The open day runs from 10am-3pm tomorrow.