Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of an Iron Age settlement on the the proposed site for a park and ride.

Remnants of timber roundhouses and historic smithing materials were dug up during preparatory work for plans to ease congestion on the A96 road between Aberdeen and Inverness.

The finds, including pottery from the early Bronze Age, came after excavators were called in to carry out investigatory work as part of the conditions attached to the development by planners in Dyce, Aberdeenshire.

AECOM and Headland Archaeology were hired after an initial archaeological evaluation revealed a range of archaeological features of interest.

Archaeologist Eddie Bailey said it was "remarkable" to see how the land was continually used by historic settlements.

He said: "Domestic occupation in the area has been found in the form of the remains of timber constructed roundhouses, hearths and remnants of compacted floor, which so far seem to indicate prolonged occupation on the same site, with phases of rebuilding.

"The site appears to have been significant over a 2,000-year period with Iron Age occupation and evidence of smithing and domestic life."

"Partial quern stones, used for grinding cereal crops, have been found along with metal working residues and pots containing probable fire rakings of meals and every day life."

The recovered objects will be handed over to a museum.