Information Bulletin
Council adds backing for return of treasure
The Convener of Shetland Islands Council, Mr Sandy Cluness, has added his backing to the campaign for the return of the St Ninian’s Isle treasure to the new Shetland Museum and Archives, which was officially opened last week by the Queen of Norway and the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
Since its discovery in 1958, by Shetlander Douglas Coutts, the hoard of silver artefacts has been stored in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The Convener’s intervention follows a call by Shetland MSP Tavish Scott, who has asked the Scottish Parliament to support the demand for the treasure to be returned to Shetland.
Mr Cluness said, “I fully endorse the call by Tavish Scott for the return of the St Ninian’s Isle treasure to Shetland and I’m sure that many Shetlanders feel the same way. There can be no doubt about this community’s concern for its heritage, demonstrated both by the existence of the new building and by the outstanding response to its opening at the weekend. I am extremely proud of the new Museum and Archives and there is no question that it has the ability to store and display these priceless artefacts safely and effectively”.
“The discovery of the St Ninians’ Isle Treasure was a milestone in Shetland’s history. However, I’d guess that most Shetlanders have never seen the original artefacts. Now that we have a place to look after them, I strongly believe that there is no reason why the treasure should not be brought home. That would allow it to be displayed for the benefit of local people and the many visitors interested in discovering our past”.
“Although it is claimed that the current housing of the treasure amongst many others in the National Museum in Edinburgh is claimed to make it more accessible to the general public, this is far outweighed by the focus, relevance and dedicated interest that would be generated by a permanent display in Shetland's New Museum”.
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