28th March 2024
1000-years-old Viking treasure hoard discovered in Scotland
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1000-years-old Viking treasure hoard discovered in Scotland

The artifacts found in the region of Galloway include an Irish silver brooch and silk from around modern Istanbul

All symmetry and curving lines, the hoard’s sole penannular brooch was crafted in Scotland or Ireland for a high-status man or woman
All symmetry and curving lines, the hoard’s sole penannular brooch was crafted in Scotland or Ireland for a high-status man or woman

The first photographs of a Viking cache found in a Scottish field have been recorded for over 1,000 years.

The objects were contained inside a pot that was uncovered in Galloway, including unusual items such as a silver brooch from Ireland and silk from all over modern Istanbul as well as gold and crystal.

The items date from the 9th and 10th centuries and are part of a wider hoard of about 100 pieces, according to experts, for more than a century it has been the most important Viking discovery in Scotland.

One of the rarest objects in the hoard was this finely wrought Carolingian vessel.  Still encrusted with pieces of textile,  the vessel was jam-packed with brooches and other medieval treasures.
One of the rarest objects in the hoard was this finely wrought Carolingian vessel. Still encrusted with pieces of textile, the vessel was jam-packed with brooches and other medieval treasures.

Richard Welander, of Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Before removing the objects we took the rather unusual measure of having the pot CT-scanned, in order that we could get a rough idea of what was in there and best-plan the delicate extraction process.

That exercise offered us a tantalising glimpse but didn’t prepare me for what was to come.

“These stunning objects provide us with an unparalleled insight to what was going on in the minds of the Vikings in Galloway all those years ago.

“They tell us about the sensibilities of the time, reveal displays of regal rivalries and some of the objects even betray an underlying sense of humour, which the Vikings aren’t always renowned for.”

The items, found by metal detectorist Derek McClennan in September 2014, are now with the Treasure Trove Unit, which is responsible for assessing the value of the hoard on behalf of the Office of Queen’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer.

Experts say the hoard is the most important Viking discovery in Scotland for a century
Experts say the hoard is the most important Viking discovery in Scotland for a century

The hoard will then be offered for allocation to Scottish museums, with Mr McClennan eligible for the market value of the find – a cost that will be met by the successful museum.