Archaeologists investigate a 16th century mystery

Skeletons found in an old Scottish church create a new mystery.

The experts believe the graves may be the final resting place for executed criminals because they are in a north-south alignment and have been buried in a rushed manner. Traditionally, Christian burials are east-west.

John Lawson, the city council’s archaeologist, said the discovery was extremely exciting.

He said: "What we have here is completely unexpected. There is no known graveyard in the area. There is no known chapel site. They shouldn’t be there. The question now is why are they there? The fact they turned up is amazing and some detective work is required."