WORKERS laying water mains have discovered a haul of artefacts shedding new light on the Roman Army's occupation of southern Scotland.

Archaeologists have been examining the finds made at Wellington Bridge, near Kirkton, in Dumfries and Galloway, which date back more than 1,850 years.

An iron javelin head, the remains of a boot, pottery and fragments of tiles were found, with experts saying the discoveries provide hard evidence of the military nature of the Roman occupation.

Warren Bailie, of Guard Archaeology, said an excavation in 1939 had revealed that a cavalry fort was created in AD 139-143.

He said: "Just as modern day military bases often have a huge range of imported resources and supplies - including shops and fast food outlets - Roman Forts during the second century AD were not so very different.

"Logistical support was as important to the Roman army occupying southern Scotland, and this is demonstrated by a number of artefacts that show the long supply chain that enabled troops to garrison what was in the second century AD the northernmost reaches of the Roman Empire."