Fortifications from the Siege of Leith and 200 bodies to be unearthed during Edinburgh’s tram extension excavation

Around 200 bodies, a Second World War air-raid shelter and fortifications from the Siege of Leith are expected to be uncovered during the construction of the tram extension.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The archaeological treasures could be part of the largest excavation in the historic town and port of Leith and could range as far back as the 12th century.

Construction of the tram extension to Newhaven, which will cost the public purse at least £207m, is due to begin on 18 November, council chiefs confirmed on Thursday.

Read More
Edinburgh tram extension: November start date for construction of £207m project
Artist's impression of the tram extension (Photo: City of Edinburgh Council)Artist's impression of the tram extension (Photo: City of Edinburgh Council)
Artist's impression of the tram extension (Photo: City of Edinburgh Council)
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As part of the plans around 200 bodies will be exhumed from a graveyard during the construction of the Foot of the Walk to Coatfield Lane section of the tramline.

He said: “This has the potential to be largest excavation through the historic town and port of Leith.

“It will unearth further evidence of the town’s development dating back to the early 14th century and it is hoped that earlier evidence will be found regarding its earlier origins in and around the 12th century.

Artist's impression of the tram extension (Photo: City of Edinburgh Council)Artist's impression of the tram extension (Photo: City of Edinburgh Council)
Artist's impression of the tram extension (Photo: City of Edinburgh Council)

“As well as up to 200 burials beneath Constitution Street, dating from c1300 to c1650, we expect to find further evidence of the town’s important 16th and 17th fortifications including those of the Siege of Leith from 1548 to 1560 between Jane Street and Stead’s Place.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Near Ocean Terminal we also hope to record and preserve the remains of the port’s Napoleonic era Old West Dock with its inbuilt defences.

“We are also anticipating excavating a WW2 air raid shelter in Baxter’s Place.”

Project director of the Trams to Newhaven plans, Rob Leech, said time for archaeological digs has been included in the construction programme.

He said: “There are very strict guidelines as to what happens [with the bodies] but from my perspective there is a period of time which we have to set aside to do the exhumation and the archaeologists will take it from there and deal with them.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The way that we programme the works is in consult with the city archaeologist. There are a number of areas of archaeological interest along the route that have been identified and we have ensured time in the programmes for those digs to take place.

“This entire project is about the next stage of development for the city, it is about building resilience and sustainability.

“In order to really truly appreciate what we are doing we have to have a nod to the past as well to understand where we have come from to get to this point.”

Related topics: