Hoard of Viking treasures to go on show
● Dozens of 10th century objects to be showcased at National Museum
bright in September 2014. The museum has previously only pledged to ensure that part of the hoard would be allowed to go on long-term display in Galloway. A “portion” of the hoard will also remain on permanent display in Edinburgh under the proposals to ensure the treasures are seen by as many people as possible.
Museum director Dr Gordon Rintoul said proposals for the whole hoard to go on display in Kirkcudbright “from time to time” and for the touring exhibition had been discussed with Dumfries and Galloway Council for several months.
He said: “Before the pot containing the hoard was opened up, people were talking about it being worth around £500,000. Everyone now realises the hoard is far more varied and far more important than was felt to be the case.
“My team’s view is that it’s the most important Viking hoard to ever be discovered in Britain or Ireland, due to the most amazing range of items. We’ll able to put on display a number of them next month to use as a focal point for our fundraising efforts as we don’t own the hoard yet.
“A lot of the hoard will required detailed conservation work which could take a couple of years to carry out, but people will be able to see some objects before they are properly conserved.
“We’ll only be able to include items that it is safe to put on display without any conservation work taking place. A lot of them are simply too fragile or need too much work done to them to be put on display yet.”
A spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Council said: “We’re aware of the offers made by the museum and have had a number of discussions in relation to the hoard and how it can be exhibited in our region. We’ll take a report to elected members next month to set out our position and seek approval on how we can develop a partnership approach with the museum.”