Review proposes creating new network of partner museums to extend Scottish scheme’s public benefit
Scotland’s Treasure Trove system is not keeping pace with changes such as the growing backlog of finds and the museum funding crisis, a review has found.
The system for reporting treasure and archaeological finds in Scotland is undergoing its first comprehensive review for more than 20 years. Commissioned by the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer, who is responsible for overseeing the system, the review’s findings were published this week following a consultation earlier this year.
Unlike other parts of the UK, finders in Scotland have a duty to report all archaeological finds; the range of finds that the Crown can claim may include gold and silver objects, coin hoards, other metal objects, worked stone, pottery, glass, textiles and individual coins.
According to the review’s report, the Treasure Trove system “has not kept pace with change in its operating environment”, with a turnaround of “well over 12 months” for processing finds.
A further challenge is the funding environment for museums, which are key to ensuring that the public benefits from the scheme.
The current system “assumes that the museums who supply the expertise, funds and space to build and refine their archaeology collections can perform their function by collecting Scotland’s archaeological heritage and sharing it with the public”, the report said, but “feedback indicates that the funding environment for many of Scotland’s museums means the maintenance of this function at present levels should not be taken for granted”.
The report also calls on the Scottish Government to maintain its commitment to the system through grant-in-aid funding, and for investment in people and technology to improve efficiency and public benefit delivery.
It proposes setting up a network of Treasure Trove Partner Museums to extend the system's reach.
John Logue, the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer, thanked heritage professionals, metal detectorists and the public for their engagement with the study.
He said: “The review offers us a detailed manifesto for the future of treasure trove in Scotland which could not have been drawn up without hearing the views of so many participants.
“I greatly appreciate everyone’s willingness to put forward their views and ideas, all of which have been taken into account.
“We look forward to considering the recommendations of the review in detail and drawing up a plan for treasure trove in the years ahead.”
Comments