Guernsey Press

Church of Scotland raises claim for share of £2 million Viking hoard

A metal detectorist found the treasure in a field in Dumfries and Galloway in 2014.

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The Church of Scotland is taking legal action for a share of a Viking hoard worth almost £2 million found on land it owns.

Metal detectorist Derek McLennan uncovered the 10th-century hoard, which includes silver bracelets and brooches, a gold ring, an enamelled Christian cross and a bird-shaped gold pin, in a Dumfries and Galloway field in 2014.

National Museums Scotland raised £1.98 million to acquire the treasure trove of items for the nation.

Viking hoard
The hoard included a pectoral cross (Dumfries and Galloway Council/PA)

But it was reported at the time the church would share in the proceeds.

Church trustees are now taking legal action at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Viking hoard
Derek McLennan, 47, holds ingots from a hoard of Viking treasure (Derek McLennan/PA)

“As that is now a matter before the court it would be inappropriate for us to provide any further commentary at this time.”

Mr McLennan has been contacted for comment.

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