Campaign launched to keep Viking hoard in Galloway

A campaign group has been set up to keep a Viking treasure hoard, which was found in Dumfries and Galloway, in the region.

The hoard was discovered at an undisclosed location in Galloway by metal detectorist Derek McLennan in 2014, having been deliberately buried over 1,000 years ago.

It includes more than 100 gold and silver objects, some of which were already old when they were hidden.

Among them are a unique gold bird-shaped pin, an enamelled Christian cross, decorated Anglo-Saxon brooches, armbands and an engraved Carolingian silver vessel.

The items come from across Europe – there are even fragments of Byzantine silk.

The Galloway Viking Hoard Campaign, is backing Dumfries and Galloway Council’s proposals for the treasure to be based in a specially designed exhibition space at the new Kirkcudbright Art Gallery.

However, they are up against a rival bid by National Museums Scotland, which is seeking sole ownership.

This could see the collection being based in at the national museum in Edinburgh.

Work is already underway on a £3.1 million project to convert Kirkcudbright town hall into a new art gallery.