posted March 06, 2010 01:30 PM         

Workers have discovered what are thought to be human remains at Rosslyn Chapel - the world-renowned religious site made famous by The Da Vinci Code.

STV News can reveal the bones were discovered at the chapel in Midlothian by workers carrying out conservation work at the world-famous heritage centre.

A spokesperson for Lothian and Borders Police confirmed the discovery, but said it was not being treated as a crime.

The famous building, built in 1446, has long been linked with a role in the history of the Freemasons and the Knights Templar. Most notably, it has also suggested as the burial place of the Holy Grail – the cup used by Christ at The Last Supper – or even the resting place of the mummified head of Jesus Christ.

Following the release of Dan Brown’s hit book The Da Vinci Code in 2003, the chapel was thrown into the worldwide spotlight. The work was then made into a film starring Tom Hanks, who filmed at the chapel for some scenes in the film. The Hollywood legend subsequently made a cash donation to the restoration and conservation of the chapel.

The bones, which were found on February 19, have now been removed from the site to be examined by archaeologists to discover their age, type and if they are human or animal. They were discovered under a slab while a new heating system was being installed inside the chapel. There is no record of a burial site in this particular area of the chapel.

Rosslyn Chapel has declined to comment on the discovery.

The chapel is in the midst of £13million conversation work which has been taking place since January 2009. It is to be completed in July this year.

One of the groups carrying out the conservation is Hunter Clark, whose headquarters are in Glasgow’s Gallowgate. The company declined to comment about the discovery.

The site is notable for its carvings, which cover nearly every inch of the structure. The most famous of these is the Apprentice Pillar. The pillar was said to be carved by an apprentice mason who was inspired by a dream. Once he saw the incredible work, the master mason went into a rage and killed the apprentice.