Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
Unlike the rest of the UK, the Treasury Act 1996 does not apply, and findings are dealt with at common law instead.
To qualify as treasure, an object must be valuable, it must be hidden, and there must be no proof of its ownership or reasonable assumption of its previous ownership.
As in England, the Crown has a prerogative right to such discoveries, which means it can transfer ownership to other bodies as it sees fit.
Read More:
The responsible agent of the Crown is the King’s Remembrance and Lord Treasurer, who decide whether an object should be claimed by the Crown and recommend a reward for the discovery based on its current market value based on the Treasurer’s system.
Examples of finds that have been through the system over the past two decades include a mesolithic harpoon found by a child dating from the Mesolithic Period, which was handed over to the West Highland Museum in Fort William last year; a memento mori finger ring found in 2013 and donated to Fife Cultural Trust; and a Bronze Age wooden boat found in the River Tay in 2001.
In 2023 a review of the treasury system was launched which engaged with organizations and individuals involved in the system, and a 12-week public consultation was launched in the spring.
The Treasure Trove Review endorses the “core principles and features” of a treasure trove in Scotland but recommends an overhaul of the way a treasure trove is led and funded, with recommendations for future investment in people and technology.
This will enable the system to keep up with the number of discoveries being made, which is much higher today than when current treasury processes were designed.
It also calls for a change in culture, where treasury is recognized as a key partner in Scotland’s heritage sector, and where everyone involved – from museums to metal detectorists – is recognized for their involvement and a contribution to Scotland’s heritage.
Alongside these key areas are detailed recommendations with the intention of helping the processes of reporting, claiming and allocating discoveries to work better and faster, to extend the reach of treasury staff in Edinburgh more widely across the country, to clarify policy areas and to promote collaboration. between the multiple organizations that contribute to the treasury system.
Stuart Allan, chairman of the Treasurer’s review, said: “The overall picture that emerged from the review was that respondents, broadly speaking, wanted the current system to work better.
“While changes are needed, there is no shortage of goodwill for treasury objectives. The Review team has been impressed by the positive engagement we have had from all parties, and that spirit of collaboration will be key to helping the system move forward.”
John Logue, Remembrancer to the King and Lord Treasurer, thanked heritage professionals, metal detectorists and the wider public for their involvement in the study.
He said: “The Review offers us a detailed manifesto for the future of treasury in Scotland which could not have been drawn up without hearing the views of so many participants.
“I really appreciate everyone’s willingness to put forward their views and ideas, all of which have been considered.
“We look forward to considering the recommendations of the Review in detail and drawing up a plan for a treasury in the coming years.”
Jane Ryder, Chair of the Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel for Scotland, said: “The comprehensive report is based on the engagement of museums, heritage organisations, the wider archaeological sector and metal detectorists with the Review, and shows how important a treasure trove is to heritage and culture. in Scotland.
“On behalf of the Panel, I very much welcome the Review, with the focus on the benefits of the system, and the progressive approach, together with the real improvements that can be made.
“We look forward to using the work of the Review, which will protect and strengthen the system for the future.”
The Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson, said: “We are grateful for the work done by the King and Lord Treasurer’s Memorial and note the publication of the 2024 Treasurer’s Review. The recommendations set out in the review will now be studied closely careful
“Scotland’s heritage is rich and varied and it is essential that the process of archaeological discoveries runs smoothly for everyone involved, which is why it is important that we have a treasury system that is fit for purpose.”
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
source link https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/24596438.recommendations-made-scotlands-real-detectorists/?ref=rss
