Human skeletons found during repairs to ramparts at Jedburgh Abbey

Two skeletons were uncovered by Scottish Borders Council staff involved in the refurbishment of the ramparts wall next to Jedburgh Abbey.

The works in Abbey Place will see sections of the historic wall and associated access steps rebuilt and strengthened.

Due to the proximity of the works to the 12th century abbey, a scheduled monument, an archaeologist has been employed on site throughout.

During excavation works late last week some human skeletal remains were discovered, and they are being exposed and recorded by the archaeological team before being removed from the site for further analysis.

Initial indications suggest that the remains are at least 200 years old.

The council and Historic Environment Scotland say they are working together to ensure that the human remains are sensitively excavated, properly investigated and then recorded, with the information gathered used to add to the historic interpretation of the site.

Deirdre Cameron, senior casework officer at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We are working closely with Scottish Borders Council following this discovery close to Jedburgh Abbey to ensure that this excavation and investigation is handled sensitively and respectfully.”

Alterations to the layout of the proposed works are now being considered to limit any further potential disturbance of old graves.

Any impact that has on the timescale for the project will be communicated to the public in due course.

Kelso councillor Simon Mountford, the council’s executive member for enhancing the built environment and natural heritage, said: “Following this discovery, work has been able to continue at other areas of the site.

“However, we are now considering how we can minimise the risk of potentially disturbing more remains as the project progresses.”

This project to repair and refurbish the ramparts has been funded by Jedburgh conservation area regeneration scheme, the Scottish Government’s town centre fund and the council.

The regeneration scheme is a heritage-led project focused on Jedburgh town centre offering grant aid towards repair works to traditional buildings, as well as supporting complementary initiatives to increase understanding of the town’s heritage and promotion of traditional skills.

The £1m project, funded by Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Borders Council, is also expected to generate private-sector contributions. It will run until 2022.