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Building work halts for medieval rubbish(The Herald Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) BUILDING work at a shopping centre development has been halted after the discovery of a medieval rubbish tip. The site was intended to house one of Scotland's biggest shopping complexes, part of a GBP200m plan to transform the Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen. However since the discovery, archaelogists have been collecting material believed to date to the 13th century. So far they have unearthed pottery and animal bones dating to the city's early origins. It is believed the site may be connected to a neighbouring rubbish tip in the Schoolhill area. Frank Sutherland, manager of the Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centre, said yesterday: "Archaeologists have found bits and pieces of what is thought to be an ancient rubbish dump. "It is not totally unexpected because it is part of old Aberdeen." He added: "Work has stopped on the site just now while archaeologists examine the finds." The discovery of the ancient dump, measuring about six feet by 12 feet, came during a dig on land around St Paul's Place in the Upper Kirkgate area, which is being cleared to make way for the retail development. Mr Sutherland added: "We would hope to continue work on the project in the very near future." Archaeologists unearthed what was believed to have been one of the oldest churches in Scotland in Aberdeen last year. Diggers working at St Nicholas Kirk in Aberdeen uncovered a burial site, including 300 skeletons, which they believe dates back to the sixth century. Copyright 2007 Newsquest Media Group Source: Financial Times Information Limited - Europe Intelligence Wire. |