Mary Queen of Scots’ silver casket on display

An “extraordinary” silver casket believed to have been owned by Mary Queen of Scots has been acquired by National Museums Scotland for £1.8 million.

It is thought the small box was given to Mary by her first husband, Francois II of France, and came to Scotland with her in 1561 after his death in 1560.

The casket had been owned by Lennoxlove House, in Haddington, East Lothian, since the mid-20th century.

It was obtained with support from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, the Scottish Government and several trusts, foundations and individual donors.