Rare Viking-age treasure begins international tour

One of the UK's most important archaeological finds this century is set to go on show for the first time outside the UK early next year, as it begins its international tour.

The Viking-age Galloway Hoard - buried about AD 900 - was unearthed in a south of Scotland field by metal detectorist Derek McLennan in 2014.

It contains a variety of objects and materials, including a rare Anglo-Saxon cross, pendants, brooches, bracelets and relics.

The collection, which was acquired by National Museums Scotland in 2017, will now go on display at the South Australian Museum in Adelaide from February to July.

The international tour will continue after Australia, with more venues to be announced soon.

After its discovery a decade ago, the hoard underwent "careful conservation, painstaking cleaning and cutting-edge research", the National Museums of Scotland said.

The collection's decorations, inscriptions and other hidden details were revealed over a thousand years after being buried.

In September, experts discovered that part of the collection came from West Asia after a lidded silver vessel was found still wrapped in its ancient textiles.

Experts said the vessel was originally from central Iran and transported halfway around the world more than 1,000 years ago.

However, some of the items are now too fragile to travel for long distances.

So the exhibition will use audio visual and 3D reconstructions to take visitors through the different layers of items exactly as they were uncovered in southern Scotland.

Dr David Gaimster, the chief executive of the South Australian Museum, said: “The Galloway Hoard is a rich collection in every sense, from rare and unique examples of gold and silverwork.

"Taken together, this hoard challenges popular understandings of this period in world history.

"The Hoard reveals the extensive networks of trade and exchange that stretched from Scandinavia and the Atlantic across to Central Asia and the Silk Routes."

Dr Gaimster added: "We are delighted to partner with National Museums Scotland to bring the Galloway Hoard halfway across the globe for Australian audiences to experience up close – a turn of events the hoard’s original owners could scarcely have imagined.”

National Museums Scotland's medieval archaeology & history principal curator Dr Martin Goldberg said: “The Galloway Hoard has repeatedly drawn international attention since its discovery and acquisition by National Museums Scotland.

“We’re delighted the exhibition can now be seen by audiences outside the UK, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience these exceptional objects in person.”