Treasure Trove/ Reporting Wreck

The St Ninian’s Isle Treasure – 28 silver objects and a porpoise jawbone – changed the law of Treasure Trove in Scotland. As a result, in Scotland, all newly discovered ancient objects with no known owner, whether of precious metal or not, belong to the Crown. 

Add further info as to what to do after speaking to SMAA 

Treasure Trove 

All finds in Scotland are subject to the principles of the Scots common law bona vacantia and as such become the property of the Crown and therefore may be claimed as treasure trove. All finds should be reported to the Treasure Trove Unit. For further information about this please refer to Treasure Trove Scotland. 

The Archaeology Service would appreciate being informed of any finds which you report  and their location (including grid reference where possible) as this adds to our knowledge of Shetland’s past. 

Wrecks and material (including cargo) from shipwrecks in the sea or tidal waters must be reported to the Receiver of Wreck. The form can be found at  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67e28a1fdcd2d93561195af4/Report_Form_-_revised_03.2025.odt 

The Archaeology Service would also like to hear from you and add the information to our marine database. Outline details about wreck sites are accessible through Shetland’s Marine Spatial Plan  Marine Spatial Planning - Shetland Islands Regional Marine Plan . We only make detailed wreck information accessible for specific purposes, eg: development.