Clue to medieval church uncovered

The carved sandstone could date back to the 14th Century

Archaeologists have found a carved sandstone fragment believed to be part of a medieval church in Ross-shire.

Highland Archaeological Services said the piece provided a link between an 8th Century monastery and 17th Century church at Tarbat, Portmahomack.

The remains were uncovered during Scottish Water's £3m project to replace mains pipes in the area.

The fragment is part of a column decorated in gothic style and could date back to the 14th Century.

Archaeologist Cait McCullagh said: "We believe it is a very important discovery.

"As far as we know, no other elements of the structure of a later medieval church on this site, dedicated to St Colman, have been found."