Construction workers have unearthed human remains while carrying out work at an Edinburgh primary school.

Builders working for Morrison Construction found a skeleton while digging foundations for a new classroom at St Mary's Primary, near to Leith Links, in the Scottish capital.

Police were called to the school following the discovery, however, it has now been established that the remains are historical.

The remains, which were found with some pottery, are now being examined by archaeologists. It is understood that they could date back to the 17th century.

The Daily Record reported that the school’s headteacher, Mary Bainbridge, noticed parents of the discovery in a letter this week.

She said: “Due to the nature of the discovery the police were initially called but have now passed the matter to the Council’s archaeologist.

“The area where the remains were discovered has been fenced off and Morrison Construction will assist the Council’s archaeologist with further digging and investigative work next week.”

It is not yet clear if the remains are male or female.

Leith was used by Oliver Cromwell for a time during the 17th century as his headquarters. Leith Links was also used as a burial pit following an outbreak of Typhus plague in the middle of the 17th century.

The school is now hoping to get pupils involved in the find.

Ms Bainbridge told parents: “The school is very excited about the educational opportunities that the archaeological work on site may present and I have already been in discussion with the Council’s archaeologist about the different ways the pupils will be able to engage and the experiences that can be offered.”