Results of a new analysis of skeletons found in Durham have been revealed today.

The remains, found almost two years ago, are those of 17th Century Scottish soldiers from the Battle of Dunbar in 1650.

Researchers at Durham University concluded that the identification of the remains as the Dunbar prisoners was "the only plausible explanation" when scientific data was analysed alongside historical information.

"It's extremely interesting, mainly because we have been able to precisely date the bones," said Richard Annis, who is a Senior Archaeologist at Durham University.

"What is clear is that these bones are without doubt the remains of Scottish prisoners from the Battle of Dunbar".

The Battle of Dunbar was a short but brutal battle in September 1650, part of the 17th Century civil wars.

Although the exact figures are not known, it is thought that around 1,700 Scottish soldiers (defeated by Oliver Cromwell's English army) died of malnutrition, disease and cold after being marched over 100 miles from the South East of Scotland to Durham where they were imprisoned in Durham Cathedral and Castle.

What happened to their bodies has remained a mystery for almost 400 years, but the University researchers believe they have begun to solve the puzzle.

In November 2013, during construction of a new café for the University's Palace Green Library, on the City's UNESCO World Heritage Site, human remains were uncovered by Durham University archaeologists who were present throughout the building work.

There are between 17 to 28 individuals who were excavated from two burial pits on the Castle ground. Since the discovery, researchers have been carrying out a wide range of tests to try and establish their identities.

"Everything in archaeology is rather slow," joked Annis, as it took a little while to be sure of the skeleton's place in history after they were first discovered in 2013.

"We had to do a lot of different tests and it was really important to us that we were certain that it was the Scottish prisoners.

"It's an emotive issue and we didn't want to say anything wrong or anything that could be misinterpreted".

Now the University team and the Cathedral will be working with partners and interested parties to determine what will happen to the remains of the Scottish soldiers.

Remembrance prayers will be said at Durham Cathedral on Thursday 3rd September, the battle's anniversary.

For further information, please visit: www.durham.ac.uk/scottishsoldiers