Nairn Museum to showcase detectorist treasure

Nairn Museum is ready to open doors to the public and show treasures found by local keen detectorists for the new season in April.

After a busy winter with lots of refurbishment, the museum will reopen on Monday, April 1 and visitors will be treated to a display of Treasure Trove items collected over many years – ranging from early axe heads through collections of mediaeval coins, penannular brooches and a gold covered ring.

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Commenting on the new exhibit, Nairn Museum manager Yvonne Cotter said: “The exhibition explains the role Treasure Trove plays in authenticating these finds and placing then in the history of, not just Nairnshire, but Scotland generally.

“The background to these objects ranges from dedicated detecting to chance finds. One particular coin was found lying in the grounds of a property in the area. Despite pleas to Historic Scotland, permission to dig on that spot has always been denied, so what else might be there?

“All the favourite items are still on display, though our aged typewriters have had to be retired!

“We also owe a debt of gratitude to the workmen from Highland Council who helped move very heavy objects while the refurbishment was going on.”

The museum is always looking for volunteers in various roles to allow it to run smoothly during the season, whether that is helping at the reception or to become involved behind the scenes in cataloguing, conservation work or helping to run their retail business.

For more information, visit nairnmuseum.co.uk

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