A specialist team from AOC Archaeology Group discovered a roundhouse settlement relating to Iron Age and Bronze Age occupation, which also contained even earlier prehistoric remains and artefacts dating back to at least 3000 BC.

The site sits within a large archaeological landscape where significant finds have been discovered previously.

The team found evidence of domestic and industrial activities from 16 roundhouses and other timber structures. They recovered a variety of prehistoric artefacts, including metal of iron and copper-alloy, stone tools such as whetstones and querns, and pottery and worked flint. Debris from iron-working was spread throughout the roundhouse settlement area.

In some discrete areas, clay moulds and copper-alloy material represented the casting of specialised objects, such as swords associated with the late Bronze Age, up to 3000 years ago.

AOC’s Mary Peteranna said: “An excavation like this is a real team effort. We worked closely with the contractors to ensure construction progressed while the archaeologists worked.

“The collaboration was made possible by the support of Scottish Prison Service. They facilitated the process of safeguarding the archaeology on the site and have been fully supportive of presentation of the results so that it is available for the public.

“This is a truly important part of the cultural heritage of Inverness.”

Lorraine Roughan, SPS project executive for HMP Highland, said: “We were delighted to hear of the significant archaeological discovery made by the team from AOC Archaeology Group, at the site of the new HMP Highland.

“This discovery encapsulates the importance of the site to the community of Inverness, both historically and in the present day.

“The construction of HMP Highland has so far seen the creation of new jobs and apprenticeships for the local area, and we look forward to maintaining this community focus with more to come in future.

“HMP Highland will allow us to better serve local communities, meet the needs of people in our care, and support our staff. Enhanced security, greater digital capability, modern living spaces, and a new Community Connections hub with an improved visits area, will enhance dignity and decency for all.”

An interactive website has been set up to showcase the discovery to the public.