Community leaders have expressed concern after human remains were found to have been rudely unearthed at an Aberdeen cemetery.
The discoveries, which also included human teeth, were made at East St Clements Church, near the city harbour.
It is thought the remains are from historic graves and that burrowing wild rabbits are behind the problem.
The church, which is now owned by Carlton Rock Housing Association, was built in 1828 to replace an earlier chapel.
It is currently disused and has been for many years, but the graveyard continues to be maintained by Aberdeen City Council.
Local councillors have now said they hope that the situation will be rectified quickly in order to limit any distress for families that may have loved ones in the cemetery.
Councillor Sandra Macdonald, who represents the city’s George Street and harbour ward, said: “It is certainly a very concerning situation.
“If I had relatives in that churchyard then it would be very distressing.
“I would hope that measures are taken as quickly as possible to resolve this problem.”
An Aberdeen City Council spokesman said: “We are aware of this problem and we are dealing with the matter.
“We will look at all reasonable options in dealing with this matter, which is caused partly by the fact that Victorian practice was not to dig graves as currently.
“As a result, rabbits digging their burrows do on rare occasions displace bones from some of the older churchyards.”
