Annual report on Treasure Trove In Scotland published

The Queen’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer today published the annual Treasure Trove Report, which has been presented to the Scottish Parliament.

The report covers the period 1 April 2015 - 31 March 2016 and the archaeological discoveries and finds that have been allocated to museums across Scotland by the Queen’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer (QLTR) and by the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel (SAFAP)

David Harvie, appointed to the role of Queen’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer in April this year said: “This is the first Treasure Trove Annual report which I have overseen in my role as QLTR. I am pleased to see that the system changes introduced, under the guidance of my predecessor Mrs Catherine Dyer are already producing greater openness and efficiency.

“We are also looking to introduce further improvements later this year with staff at the Treasure Trove Unit currently working to improve the system interaction with professional archaeological fieldworkers.

“In addition to the work of the Treasure Trove Unit I must also thank the independent experts at the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel who ensure that the ex gratia payments and allocation process are fair and open to scrutiny

“It is of course also important to again recognise the role played by finders whose discoveries are key to ensuring these objects are preserved and enjoyed in museums across Scotland both for the benefit of the public who visit them and for the scholars who can interpret these objects for a wider audience.”

A Medieval silver finger ring is pictured.It was found in Gullane, East Lothian. It is set with a blue glass stone. The ring is engraved with the lettering “IESUS NAZA”, a contraction of one of the most common inscriptions in medieval jewellery; “IHESUS NAZARENUS REX IOUDOREUM” or “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”.

This inscription was believed to protect the wearer from violent death. While the stone is glass, it is clearly intended to resemble a sapphire, which was believed to possess several magical attributes. This find is notable for having both a gemstone and magical spell, combining two different types of medieval magical belief in the same object. It has been allocated to East Lothian Museum Service.