Teenager’s bones found in cave

Archaeologists have confirmed that bones found at Massacre Cave on Eigg are those of a teenager.

Tourists discovered around 50 bones in the cave, the scene of a mass killing of members of the Macdonald clan in the late 16th Century, last year.

Initial tests suggested the bones dated to between 1430 and 1620, potentially placing them to the time of the massacre which wiped out almost the entire population of the island.

Dr Kirsty Owen, senior archaeology manager at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said further analysis had confirmed the bones belonged to a single skeleton of an adolescent aged under 16.

It has not been possible to determine their sex or stature, Dr Owen added.

Further tests are to be carried out at Bradford University to shed more light on the diet and lifestyle of the person whose remains have been found. Results of a postexcavation analysis carried out at the cave are now being finalised with further radiocarbon dates from materials due soon.

HES plans to return the remains to Eigg once all investigations have been completed. Dr Owen added: “When post-excavation analysis has been completed we will discuss what happens next with the community on Eigg. The decision will be made jointly with them.”