The search for unexploded World War II weapons in a popular children’s play area in Moray is underway.
The local council has this week commandeered a private ordnance clearance team to investigate land at Elgin’s Pinefield Crescent.
Aerial photographs taken during the war were recently uncovered, which indicated there was a risk of dormant explosives at the site.
The Pinefield area served as an army camp during World War II and areas of residential parkland were built over trenches used during training exercises.
Armed with metal detectors and digging equipment, a pair of experts yesterday began traversing the site for unused munitions yesterday morning.
Conducting a systematic search, the workers made their way across the estate using orange ribbons to mark their progress.
The machinery used is able to detect items at various depths, depending on their size, but the investigation has only returned scrap metal so far.
A spokesman for Moray Council’s contaminated land team said last week: “The object of the investigation is to rule out any risk to the public from the possible presence of ordnance.”
“Although the likelihood of finding any ordnance is thought to be low, it is a precautionary survey to ensure risk is minimised.”
Parents were shocked to discover the popular play area may have unexploded devices in the area, with some saying they would not let their children onto the green until the all-clear was given.
Former soldier Lee Stewart, 35, said at the time: “I have got three bairns, and I’m staying right next to a place that could have unexploded grenades in it.
“I certainly won’t let my kids out on it until I know it’s safe.”
Elgin City North councillor Pasty Gowans last night said: “I do understand residents’ concerns but I firmly believe that if there was any serious risk they would have been evacuated.”
The same team investigating Pinefield Crescent surveyed for potential contamination on duneland at Findhorn, close to the former RAF base at Kinloss in 2013.