Work on the new £20 million Musselburgh Primary Care Centre continues apace alongside some of Scotland’s most exciting archaeological finds.

Roman remains dating from 140AD, including human skeletons with decapitated skulls have been found north of the Border for the first time.

Flints used in tool making, dating between 6,000-10,000 years ago have also been discovered on the site. Roman ramparts thought to be part of a Roman fortlet are also visible.

Dr Charles Winstanley, Chair, NHS Lothian, said: “We are absolutely delighted that work on the Musselburgh Primary Care Centre which began a few months ago is moving according to our schedule and that the excavation work can progress at the same time. The Roman remains are an unexpected find and we are glad that we have been able to assist in the recovery of valuable, local, historical artefacts.”

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Bruce Glendinning, Project Manager, CFA Archaeology, commented: “These are really exciting finds, not only have we found significant Roman remains but Iron Age as well. These findings will help to give us a better picture of Roman life in this area. We have also managed to work well with the contractors working in parallel with them so that the important construction work can continue.”

Construction work on the Musselburgh Primary Care Centre began in the summer this year.

Dawn Construction has been appointed as the main contractors. Ray Eve, Managing Director , Dawn Construction added: “We are excited to be working in partnership with NHS Lothian in the construction of the new primary care centre in Musselburgh.”

Work on the Roman remains, identified earlier this year is taking place as part of the construction contract. The excavation work is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Approval of the full business case and conclusion of the land purchase was completed earlier this year.

The Musselburgh Primary Care Centre is planned to be completed in Spring 2012.

(GK)