Hawick roadworks put on hold after human remains found

Police were called in after shocked Scottish Borders Council workers came across a human skull while carrying out roadworks in Hawick.
Princes Street in Hawick.Princes Street in Hawick.
Princes Street in Hawick.

That discovery was made last Thursday morning in Princes Street, close to a 17th century graveyard.

Police were notified, and the area was cordoned off for several hours to allow investigations to be carried out.

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The discovery of the skull and other bones halted the latest phase of roadworks under way as part of the town’s £44m flood protection scheme.

After providing advice and assistance at the scene, officers concluded that no further action is required.

Hawick and Denholm councillor Stuart Marshall, a neighbour of the site, said it is quite possible that other similar finds could be unearthed during the ongoing work to prepare for the installation of flood defences.

He said: “Last week’s discovery of human remains beneath the road in Princes Street was certainly quite a shock, both for workmen and nearby residents.

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“These remains may well have come from a nearby 17th century graveyard known locally as the gravies.

“Many people living within this neighbourhood are now concerned that there may well be further discoveries during the course of the preparatory work that is currently going on with the flood protection scheme.

“I’m sure workmen will be even more cautious when continuing with their work in this vicinity.“

A police spokesman said: “Police were called around 11.10am on Thursday, December 5, following a report that skeletal remains had been found by workmen excavating a site in Princes Street in Hawick.

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“The area is that of a former graveyard, the local parish is aware and the local council has been informed.

“Advice and assistance has been given, with no further police action.”

A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council confirmed that it was local authority workers who came across the find but declined to comment any further.