The King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer (KLTR), the Crown’s representative responsible for ownerless property in Scotland, has welcomed today’s publication of the findings of the Treasure Trove Review launched last year.
The Review’s report makes detailed recommendations for the future of treasure trove, the system which deals with archaeological finds in Scotland by recording them and making them available for acquisition by museums.
Following a programme of engagement with organisations and individuals involved with the system, and a 12-week public consultation held in Spring, the Review endorses “the core principles and characteristics” of treasure trove in Scotland.
Stuart Allan, chair of the Treasure Trove review, said: “The overarching picture to emerge from the review was that, broadly speaking, respondents want the existing system to work better.
“While changes are needed, there is no shortage of goodwill for the objectives of treasure trove. The Review team has been impressed by the positive engagement we have received from all parties, and that spirit of collaboration will be key to helping the system move forward.”
According to the Review, that means an overhaul of how treasure trove is led and funded, with recommendations for future investment in people and technology.
This will allow the system to keep pace with the numbers of finds being made, which are far greater today than when current treasure trove processes were designed.
It also demands a change in culture, where treasure trove is recognised as a key partner in the Scottish heritage sector, and where all those involved - from museums to metal detectorists – are acknowledged for their participation and contribution to Scotland’s heritage.
Alongside these key areas are detailed recommendations intended to help the processes of reporting, claiming and allocating finds work better and faster, to extend the reach of treasure trove staff based in Edinburgh more widely across the country, to clarify areas of policy and to bolster collaboration between the multiple organisations that contribute to the treasure trove system.
John Logue, King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer, thanked heritage professionals, metal detectorists and the wider 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.”
Jane Ryder, Chair of the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel, said: “The comprehensive report is founded on engagement with the Review from museums, heritage organisations, the wider archaeological sector and metal detectorists, and demonstrates how important treasure trove is to heritage and culture in Scotland.
“On behalf of the Panel, I warmly welcome the Review, with the focus on the benefits of the system, and the forward-looking approach, together with the real improvements that can be made.
“We look forward to using the work of the Review, which will safeguard and strengthen the system for the future.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: “We are grateful for the work undertaken by the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer and note the publication of the Treasure Trove Review 2024. The recommendations set out in the review will now be carefully studied.
“Scotland’s heritage is rich and varied and it is essential that the process of archaeological finds runs smoothly for all concerned, which is why it is important that we have a treasure trove system which is fit for purpose.”
To download a copy of the report, click this link. pdf format
