Badgers blamed for digging up human remains in cemetery

Badgers are in the frame for digging up graves in Jedburgh

Wildlife cameras are being set up at a Borders cemetery after badgers were suspected of digging up human remains.

Police were called to the churchyard at Jedburgh Abbey after bones were discovered around several graves last week.

However, officers said it was not criminal activity and forensic scientists were called to help identify and date the bones.

Scottish Borders Council said it was working with Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to monitor animal activity and confirm if badgers are responsible.

Cameras are to be set up at Jedburgh Abbey graveyard to identify the animals

A council briefing suggested that the nocturnal creatures were the cause of the disturbed remains.

Local authority wildlife officers and ecologists have been sent to the graveyard to gather evidence with trail cameras.

An animal-proof perimeter is also being considered to prevent further digging.

HES staff removed the bones and placed them in secure storage.

Forensic scientists at from the University of Dundee's centre of anatomy were consulted to identify the age of the remains.

Thousands of tourists visit Jedburgh Abbey and its historic graveyard every year

HES said it was working with Scottish Borders Council (SBC) to return the remains to their graves.

A spokesperson said: "This type of incident can occasionally happen in the setting of historic graveyards and, following best practice, we are working closely with SBC to ensure the discreet and respectful re-interment of the remains."

An SBC spokesperson added: "We are liaising with HES colleagues regarding the monitoring of animal activity within the graveyard and how the issue can be addressed.”

The incident comes four years after two complete skeletons were uncovered at Jedburgh Abbey during renovations to the ramparts walkway.