Local treasures revealed ahead of Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life
The team from Treasure Trove Scotland are inviting members of the public to bring their finds to be assessed as part of a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life on Saturday 19 July.
Press images are available here.
Treasure Trove Scotland run a programme of Finds Days across Scotland, and this will be the second time one has been held at the National Museum of Rural Life. Last year’s Finds Day revealed some fascinating discoveries. One was a Roman copper alloy coin, found in Renfrewshire. Experts from Treasure Trove identified it as being minted by the Emperor Domitian (AD81-96) and depicting Moneta, the goddess of money. Another find was a lead Medieval spindle whorl, used in the making of woollen thread.
In recent years, significant local discoveries from the area have included a coin forger’s mould used during the Napoleonic Wars, found in West Kilbride, and a medieval sword pommel from Portencross, North Ayrshire.
Bobby Sandeman, CEO of The King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer, said:
“Scotland has a fascinating archaeological record and every new find helps us understand more about our shared past. The Treasure Trove Unit works to record finds from across Scotland and ensure that the most significant can be preserved in museums”
Visitors to Archaeology Day will learn about some of the latest archaeological discoveries in Scotland from Clutha Archaeology Group, and have a look inside the Archaeology Scotland Viking Discovery Box. Families can also try mini metal detectors and make their own treasures to take home, creating mini clay pot with imprints from leaves and flowers foraged from the museum grounds.
Vicky McLean, General Manager of the National Museum of Rural Life, said:
“Our galleries tell the stories of Scotland’s rural past, providing the perfect backdrop for a day of family-friendly archaeological discovery. We know our visitors are as passionate about Scottish history as we are and can’t wait to see the treasures they bring in to be assessed by the Treasure Trove Scotland team.”
Archaeology Day
Sat 19 Jul, 11:00 - 15:30
National Museum of Rural Life
Free with museum entry and Annual Pass
Free appointments to have items assessed by the Treasure Trove Unit can be booked at nms.ac.uk/events/archaeology-day
Notes to editors
- The National Museum of Rural Life
A museum, historic farmhouse and working farm, the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride explores the land, people and ways of working that have shaped Scotland's rural history. On display in the museum is Scotland's largest collection of tractors, combine harvesters and farming machinery, while the farm is home to Ayrshire, Aberdeen Angus and Highland cattle, Tamworth pigs, sheep, hens and Clydesdale horses. Lanarkshire's Reid family lived in the Georgian farmhouse for ten generations, and rooms are as they would have been in the 1950s.
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR
The National Museum of Rural Life is open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm.
Tickets can be booked online at nms.ac.uk/Rural
Annual Pass – pay once, visit all yearAnnual Pass pricesAdult (16+) £12, Over 65’s £11, Concession* £10, Child (5-15) £9, (under 5’s free**)
15% family discount when up to three Child (5-15) tickets alongside up to two Adult, Over 65 or Concession tickets (max 5 tickets total) purchased***
National Museums Scotland members free
National Trust for Scotland members free
Accompanying essential carers free
Discounts available for groups of 10 or more.
School visits free; some workshop charges apply.
Concessions: Student, Unemployed, Disabled, Young Scot. Valid ID required.
**Additional charge for some events.
***Cannot be used with member tickets or any other discount or offer.
2. National Museums Scotland
National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in the UK and Europe and it looks after collections of national and international importance. The organisation provides loans, partnerships, research and training in Scotland and internationally. Our individual museums are the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life and the National War Museum. The National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh houses conservation and research facilities as well as collections not currently on display.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland
Instagram: @NationalMuseumsScotland
Bheireadh Oifis nam Meadhanan eadar-theangachadh Gàidhlig den bhrath-naidheachd seachad do bhuidhinn mheadhanan bharantaichte. Cuiribh fios do dh'Oifis nam Meadhanan airson bruidhinn air cinn-latha freagarrach.