Fresh images of the medieval skeletons discovered in the heart of Aberdeen more than a decade ago have been published for the first time.
The well-preserved bones of seven men, thought to be Franciscan friars, were found during an archaeological dig in 2009 in advance of the conversion of the A-listed Marischal College building into the city council’s headquarters.
Evidence was found of medieval friary buildings, among them a church demolished in the early 20th century to allow for the construction of the Broad Street property’s frontage.
The human remains were excavated from the cloister area next to the medieval church.
Marischal College has stood since the 16th century but, before that, the site was occupied by the Franciscan friary, one of Aberdeen’s major religious houses.
Now local firm Cameron Archeaology, who worked on the project, have posted the images online.
Writing on social media, a spokesperson for the firm said: “Today I am writing up excavations we carried out at Marischal College 2008-10.
“An amazing site – I’m working on the trench with the friars (Greyfriars) burials – 7 older men buried with their hands clasped, within the cloister and one SK (skeleton) had fish bones in the pelvic cavity.”
Today I am writing up excavations we carried out at Marischal College 2008-10. An amazing site – I'm working on the trench with the friars (Greyfriars) burials – 7 older men buried with their hands clasped, within the cloister and one SK had fish bones in the pelvic cavity pic.twitter.com/dFx8KbwXNC
— Cameron Archaeology (@AliTheArchaeol) February 13, 2020