Builders working for Morrison Construction found a skeleton while digging foundations for a new classroom at St Mary’s Primary, near to Leith Links.

Police were called to the school following the discovery, however, it has now been established that the remains are historical and are thought to be from the 17th century.

The area where the remains were discovered has been fenced off but the school remains open for pupils.

Mary Bainbridge, acting head teacher at St Mary’s Leith RC Primary School: “The school is very excited about the educational opportunities that the archaeological work on site may present and I have already been in discussion with the council’s archaeologist about the different ways the pupils will be able to engage and the experiences that can be offered.”

Archaeologist John Lawson said: “The skeleton was uncovered as part of a carefully planned excavation.

“This seems to be the site of an unknown, unmarked grave dating to the 17th Century.

“It is thought the burial, outside the original Edinburgh town borders in Leith, may be a plague victim but further analysis needs to be undertaken.”

Edinburgh City Council culture convener Richard Lewis added: “Edinburgh has such a rich history and the skeleton at St Mary’s is yet another astonishing archaeological find.

“The council will work with Morrison Construction to further investigate the site.”

Earlier this year a mass grave containing about 100 medieval skeletons was discovered by archaeologists during renovations to the Aberdeen Art Gallery while 30 medieval skeletons were found at nearby Robert Gordon’s ­College.