The grim discovery of the human remains occurred at the site in Orr Street, Calton, on Tuesday morning.

The derelict land is close to St Mary’s Cemetery, at the back of St Mary’s Church on Abercromby Street, which closed around 1870.

Pictures from the scene shared with the Daily Record show the bones sticking out of the freshly disturbed earth.

The workers made the grim find on the empty brownfield site when they were digging up the area, which will become new build homes.

Work was immediately halted by developer AS Homes and Home Group, to allow time for the bones to be excavated.

The area is currently closed off.

AS Homes said they were aware that the site was near the historical cemetery when they secured the contract to build 80 new homes.

They said prior to starting work on the site, they applied for a warrant to allow them to process any remains which may be found.

A spokesperson for AS Homes said: “The site at Orr St is adjacent to an historical burial ground which closed around 1870.

“When working near burial grounds, remains may be found beyond the boundary of the actual burial ground.

“We followed the standard protocol, as advised by Glasgow City Council, which was to apply for a warrant which agrees with the process in the event of any remains being found.

“We have done this and will be following the agreed process to ensure any remains are treated appropriately.

“We can confirm some remains have been found beyond the original burial ground at Orr St.

“We have stopped work in the area where these remains have been found and this is now fenced off. The remains will be carefully excavated and moved with dignity and respect.”