The remains of what is believed to be one of Scotland's earliest homes have been uncovered in a field at Echline, South Queensferry (part of Edinburgh) during construction works for the new Forth road crossing.
     Rod McCullagh, a senior archaeologist at Historic Scotland, said: "The radiocarbon dates that have been taken from this site show it to be the oldest of its type found in Scotland." The site dates from the Mesolithic period, about 10,000 years ago. A large oval pit nearly 7 metres in length is all that remains.
     Wooden posts would have supported the walls and roof, probably covered with turf. Several internal fireplaces were identified, and more than 1,000 flint artefacts found, including tools and arrowheads. Other discoveries included large quantities of charred hazelnut shells, suggesting they were an important source of food.
     Archaeologists believe the dwelling would have been occupied on a seasonal basis, probably during the winter months.

Edited from BBC News, The Telegraph (18 November 2012)