The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Experts find bones of man who was killed 900 years ago
ARCHAEOLOGISTS have found a 900-year-old murder victim during a dig at the Scottish Seabird Centre.
They unearthed the skeleton of a man dating from around the 12th or 13th Century while studying Kirk Ness, which was the site of a church and cemetery in North Berwick.
A nalysis revealed that he was fatally stabbed four times in the back, twice in the left shoulder and twice in the ribs, most likely in a calculated attack.
The archaeologists said he was aged over 20, of slightly better build than average, and had wear to the shoulder, which suggests he might have been an archer.
The dig also revealed structural remains including stone tools, lead objects, ceramic material and bones of butchered seals, fish and seabirds which suggest a community lived at the site.
Scottish Seabird Centre chief executive Tom Brock said: “Being at the centre of a 900-year-old murder mystery is very exciting for the Scottish Seabird Centre.
“The site of the centre is a historic site of national importance and visitors can find out more about this rich history from information displayed within and around the Seabird Centre.”
Archaeologists found various graves at the site during the dig, which was prompted by the expansion of the tourist attraction.