A treasure trove of prehistoric artefacts has been discovered during foundation work on a community football ground in Tayside.
Diggers were starting on new playing fields in Carnoustie when they hit on evidence of a Bronze Age settlement.
Golf has always been a way of life in the Angus town, but archaeologists think their findings could reveal how ancient ancestors of the Scots lived as early as 2000BC.
And first indications are that a nearby structure could be from the later Iron Age.
Chief archaeologist Alan Hunter-Blair said that the dig, next to Carnoustie High School, is in its “early days” but is already uncovering evidence about life north of the Tay before records began.
He said: “We haven’t fully stripped the area but so far we have what looks like a Bronze Age domestic dwelling and numerous pit alignments that may be from ancillary structures, possibly stock enclosures or storage.
“The volume of material that we’re unearthing is probably more than what was anticipated.
“Another interesting feature which possibly dates from the Iron Age period looks like a circular structure.
“It could be that there’s been a continuous settlement here.”
Alan’s team from Guard Archaeology are set to keep digging for at least another fortnight.
• Video: An archaeologist’s tour of new Carnoustie dig site
See Saturday’s Courier for more on this story.
