RICHES LYING UNDER OUR FEET
GALLOWAY HOARD
Dug up by Ayrshire-based metal detectorist Derek McLennan in 2014, the hoard is ‘the richest collection of rare and unique Viking Age objects found in Britain’. It includes more than 100 items, such as silver jewellery and ingots and a unique birdshaped gold pin. It may date to the 10th Century.
DUDDINGSTON HOARD
Late Bronze Age weapons, including swords and spears, were left in Duddingston Loch, Edinburgh, and dredged up in 1778. Dated to around 1,000BC, the items may have been ‘sacrificed’ by warriors as offerings to the gods.
NORRIE’S LAW HOARD
A collection of 6th Century silver discovered at Norrie’s Law, Largo, Fife, in 1819. One of the largest Pictish hoards ever found, it originally contained more than 25lb of Roman and Pictish silver, but less than a tenth remains after items were illegally sold or given away. It is made up mostly of pieces of cut and bent silver and jewellery.
PEEBLES HOARD
A 3,000-year-old Bronze Age hoard found in 2020 which includes a complete ancient horse harness, a sword in its scabbard, rings, ornaments and chariot wheel axle caps. TRAPRAIN LAW HOARD Roman silver uncovered early last century near Haddington, East Lothian, which may have been buried in the 5th Century. Consisting of more than 250 pieces weighing almost 50lb, it’s thought to be booty from a raid across Hadrian’s Wall.
ST NINIAN’S ISLE TREASURE
A 28-piece hoard of silver Pictish-age objects found in 1958 under a medieval church on St Ninian’s Isle, Shetland. Artefacts include brooches and bowls.