Remains of a Bronze Age ritual cremation cemetery have been uncovered during groundworks for the rocket launch site on the Lamba Ness peninsula in Unst.

The discovery includes pits and burnt bone, and archaeologists believe that it dates from 2200-1800 BC.

Katie O'Connell, of site assessors AOC Archaeology, said: "The several deposits of burnt bone which have been found are likely associated with the remains of cremation deposits.

The number and density of cremations suggest that the location of their discovery was likely a cremation cemetery that may have been in continuous use over time in prehistory." Dr Val Turner, Shetland's regional archaeologist, said she had "always suspected" that some of Shetland's rings of boulders and low stones could in fact be Bronze Age cremation cemeteries, so it was "hugely exciting" to see this discovery.

The discovery is not expected to hamper development work at the spaceport, which is supporting the excavation.

SaxaVord spaceport chief executive Frank Strang said: "This is a tremendously exciting discovery and we will be supporting further study of the remains to find out the full story.

With Unst's Viking heritage, we had always thought of the timespan from the longship to the spaceship.

Now we know there has been activity on our site for more than 4,000 years, it's the Bronze Age to the Space Age." This discovery provides valuable insight into Shetland's prehistoric past and is a reminder of the importance of archaeological research in understanding our heritage.

The SaxaVord Spaceport is expected to be an important development for the region, and the discovery of this Bronze Age cemetery adds another layer to the rich history of the area.