Waiting for decision on Bronze Age hoard

BRITAIN’S most extensive Bronze Age relic collection should take “pride of place” at the centre of an Angus staycation boom, it has been claimed.

But the journey involved in Scottish museum chiefs securing the archaeological riches uncovered during digging for a Carnoustie football pitch could mean it will be more than a year before a final decision is made.

The haul of relics dating back up to 2,000 years – including a leaf-shaped sword, and golddecorated spearhead – was unearthed in 2016.

National Museums Scotland (NMS) is keen to secure the vast collection, which also features everyday objects hinting at life along the River Tay thousands of years ago.

However, the body’s director has told Scottish Conservative shadow culture secretary Maurice Golden the Carnoustie array is unlikely to be up for grabs until next year at the earliest.

Dr Chris Breward said discussions were continuing between NMS and the AngusAlive leisure trust to secure the best possible public access to the collection if a treasure trove bid succeeds.

In response to the MSP, he said: “Post-excavation work on the hoard has not yet reached the stage to allow formal reporting to begin the process of allocation.

“As I understand it, it is likely to come before the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel (SAFAP) at some point next year, at the earliest. The option for AngusAlive to bid for allocation of course remains open.

“Colleagues at Angus have communicated their interest in applying for some of the hoard on loan should it be allocated to NMS and this has been discussed by our collections committee.”