FOLLOWING the closure of 17 schools as part of the PFI scandal, an area of a further Edinburgh primary is to be fenced off.

This time, however, it is not poor construction quality but rather historical reasons which are dictating the closure of a small area of the playground of St Mary’s in Leith.

For after a human skeleton was found during building work for an extension to the school during the Easter holidays, further evidence of human remains thought to date back to the 17th century or earlier have been unearthed by archaeologists.

Now the outlines of at least nine coffins have been identified in the grounds of St Mary’s as part of an excavation by Morrison Construction in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council. The find will mean that part of the playground will be sealed off to allow further excav- ation and exploratory work, with the schoolchildren being kept informed of progress as many of them have been following the story of their ancient neighbours.

John Lawson, City of Edinburgh Council archaeologist, said: “Leith and the surrounding area has a rich archaeological history. These excav- ations have unearthed what appears to be a complex cemetery thought to date from the 15th to 17th centuries, containing at least nine graves including adults and young children buried in coffins.

“The discoveries of these burials in this location, although always a possibility, is nevertheless a surprise. Further excavations will reveal more evidence which will allow us to accurately date these burials and how they relate to the history of Leith.”

Councillor Richard Lewis, the council’s culture convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The new information coming from the site is proving to be even more significant than previously thought.

“The school community has been very interested in the excavation and the findings. The children have been eager to learn about the new discoveries and as the excavation continues, we’ll find out more about the former inhabitants of Leith.”

Education staff are emphasising that the school remains open though there will be a delay in opening the extension. The council said: “The new classrooms will still be built but will no longer open in time for the new term due to further necessary archaeological analysis, expected to last until the end of June. All existing and new pupils will be accommodated.”