Council / Human remains found at Knab building site, SIC and police confirm
HUMAN bones from potentially two individuals were uncovered by contractors working at the Knab redevelopment site earlier this year.
Enquiries into the origins of the human remains found during preparatory work in either June or July are ongoing, according to Police Scotland.
Following questions from Shetland News, Shetland Islands Council has now confirmed that work at the site was halted at the time and police were informed.
The remains were recovered and sent south for dating. A result has not been received yet.
However, there is some confusion as to when exactly the bones were found, with the SIC confirming it was the 20 June while Police Scotland saying it was informed on 18 July.
A council spokesperson said: “The police were informed, and work was temporarily halted in the area while an archaeological investigation was carried out. “The remains were sent for dating, and work recommenced on site.”
The spokesperson added that they were unable to release further details at this stage.
Meanwhile a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “On Friday, 18 July 2025, we were made aware of possible human bones found on a construction site near The Knab, Shetland.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said it was not involved in this specific incident and advised that any human remains found during development work should be reported to Police Scotland who will liaise with the local authority and their
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