Strathearn Archaeological and Historical Society

The society’s guest speaker at their penultimate winter lecture on February 28 was Stuart Campbell, head of the Treasure Trove Unit based at the National Museums of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Stuart said the unit is an independent body and its role is to ensure that objects of cultural significance from Scotland’s past are protected for the benefit of the nation and preserved in museums across the country. This is carried out in conjunction with the Scottish Archaeological Finds and Allocations Panel.

In Scotland any ownerless objects found by chance or through activities such as metal-detecting, field-walking, or archaeological excavation become the property of the Crown and may be claimed as treasure trove.

Examples of personal objects, political medals, toys, clothing accessories and religious objects were shown.Among the most fascinating objects were the pendants which hung from the harnesses of battle horses in the 14th century. Many fine examples have been found on the site of the Battle of Dupplin Moor on the south-eastern side of Strathearn.

The last talk of the season will be on Tuesday, March 28, at 7.30pm at Strathearn Community Campus. It will be given by Kenneth Maclean of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

Visitors/non-members welcome at £3.