Graves moved to save abbey's ruins

HERITAGE watchdogs are to dig up ancient graves to stop the ruins of one of Scotland's oldest abbeys from rotting away.

The plans are part of a radical effort by Historic Scotland to preserve Dryburgh Abbey, where Sir Walter Scott and Field Marshal Earl Haig are also buried.

Drainage ditches to stop water seeping into the historical structure are to be dug in an area which is thought to have been the burial ground of the monks who once worshipped at the site in the Borders.