Archaeologist's have discovered numerous artefacts and structures following excavations across the £745 million Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) project site.

Analysis of samples recovered from the various sites during excavation works has revealed a number of items that are thousands of years old, including Mesolithic pits, Roman bread ovens, prehistoric roundhouses and a cremation complex.

Examples include a well-preserved Beaker period pot which dates between 2,400 BC to around 2,200/2,000 BC, while a structure dating between 7,000 BC to 6,700 BC was also found at Standingstones, in the hills to the west of Dyce.

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Specialists will detail the results of the finds in a new limited edition book due to be published later this year.

Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Cllr Jim Gifford, said: "The AWPR project isn't just about construction of the route itself, as important as that is. It's also about our relationship with the environment and the history of the north-east of Scotland.

"The book, when it becomes available later this year, captures a slice of history and I would like to thank Bruce and those who worked on this element of the scheme for their hard work in producing this excellent document."

Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work said: "When complete, the AWPR will help to reduce congestion, cut journey times, improve safety and lower pollution in Aberdeen City Centre, as well as enable local authorities to develop public transport solutions. However, the archaeology has also proven to be yet another huge benefit coming from this project, helping to shine a light on Scotland's ancient past.

"The discoveries along the AWPR route, which would have remained undiscovered had the new bypass not been built, are truly remarkable and underline the importance of the value we place on meeting our environmental obligations as we plan and construct this new infrastructure."

(LM/MH)