Archaeologists uncover Iron Age woman in 'beautifully made' grave

Archaeologists have uncovered a "beautifully made" Iron Age burial site containing the skeleton of a woman at a quarry in Sutherland.

The stone-lined pit may have lain undisturbed at Evelix for about 2,000 years.

Highland Archaeological Services (HAS) made the discovery while carrying out work for local quarry firm GF Job ahead of a planned expansion of its quarry near Dornoch.

HAS said further analysis would be undertaken over the coming months to learn as much as possible about the woman and the "pit" she was buried in.

It was discovered at the possible site of long-gone Iron Age roundhouses.

Evidence of the buildings include holes in the ground that had held timber posts used in their construction.

The archaeologists were impressed by how well made the pit was.

It had been dug into sand and measures about 10ft (3m) long, 6.5ft (2m) wide and 3ft (1m) deep with a small stone staircase in the structure.

"Tucked into one corner of this beautifully made structure were discovered the remains of an individual who is thought to have lain undisturbed since the Iron Age," a HAS spokesperson said.

Archaeologist Lynne McKeggie added: "When site staff first saw the pit and how well the stone lining was built they thought it might be modern, but the finds inside, and this style of building, all point to an Iron Age date."

While no objects were found inside the structure, HAS said there was the presence of a large quantity of animal bone.

The pit is being recorded through photographs and 3D scans, and information on the site is being uploaded to the Highland Historic Environment Record.

GF Job Ltd is funding further analysis of the human remains.

The skeleton will later be made available to Treasure Trove Scotland for potential allocation to a museum.