Daggers with such a blade were a specialized weapon used mainly by men in the military. Combined with the accuracy of the stab wounds, this shows both professionalism and calculation in the execution of the murder.
It was during an archaeological excavation, supported by Historic Scotland, at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick that the remains of the man were found. Several graves were discovered at the site, including the partial remains of the man who was approximately 20 years old. He had signs of wear on his shoulder suggesting possible archery practice.
The excavation has also revealed the remains of buildings and stone tools, lead objects, ceramic material and bones of slaughtered seals, fish and seabirds have been found. The findings from the excavation will be published in «The Medieval Kirk, Cemetery and Hospice at Kirk Ness, North Berwick, The Scottish Seabird Centre Excavations 1999-2006» by Thomas Addyman, which has just been released by Oxbow Books. The book reveals that this area was a center of early Christian activity. There was both a church there and a hostel for pilgrims.
Tom Brock OBE, Chief Executive of The Scottish Seabird Centre, says «Being at the center of a 900-year-old murder mystery is very exciting both as an attraction for the independent visitor but also for conservation and education. We are committed to inspiring people to enjoy, protect and learn about their local environment and this excavation has given us great insight into how life was lived in the North Berwick area almost 1000 years ago. The site of the center is historic and of national significance and visitors can find out more about this through information in and around The Seabird Centre. «
Rod McCullagh, Senior Archaeology Officer at Historic Scotland, adds: «We are delighted with the publication of the Kirk Ness report, which is the result of a successful partnership between Historic Scotland and the Scottish Seabird Centre. The planned expansion of the center led to an archaeological excavation of an important medieval cemetery. It revealed the remarkable remains of buildings dating from the fifth to ninth centuries AD. These archaeological findings and subsequent analysis mark a significant advance in our understanding of the early history of both North Berwick and southern Scotland. «
