Gordon Innes Treasure Find

[Corinne Mills]

Gordon has contributed to the newsletter in the past (see issue 3) and it is good to see a write up about a find of his in the local paper here in Scotland today.

From the Courier and Advertiser (Dundee edition) June 12th

Treasure buried for 700 years

An amateur historian has discovered a once-in-a-lifetime treasure buried for 700 years.

Metal detector user Gordon Innes (44) of Fraserburgh, thought he had found a childs ring on farmland in Biggar, Lanarkshire.

Assessors have said his find is of major historical importance and the only complete example ever found in Scotland.

The 13th century gold ring set with blue sapphire would have belonged to a bishop and buried with him, experts believe.

The item, decorated with circles and chevrons, will go before the Crown Commission's treasure trove unit in Edinburgh next month for evaluation, then will be taken to the National Museum of Scotland.

Mr Innes said "All I'd found that day was some lead and old buttons, but when I saw the blue stone I knew it was special. I drove back home and I must have looked at it 20 times that night. I have found and reported things before but this is the best so far"

By Law all treasure found in Scotland is the property of the Crown. Items must be handed in and assessed. Finders are then given a treasure trove award or "finder's fee" based broadly on market value. An identical item was recently sold in France for a 4 figure sum.

[Lesley]

Its also in the Scottish Dail Mail, well done Gordon a great ambassodor for the hobby.

[Cyber-Leader]

Well done mate! Good on yer!

[petethedig]

Brilliant Gordan and well deserved

[StuE]

Cracker - great stuff

[Old Git John]

Well done Gordon.

[taity]

well done mate id dsay you where on my line that day lol

[Jif]

Good for you Gordon, well done

[Groat Grabber]

Weldone Gordon, with publicity like this you'll be on the television next! :lol: :lol:

[Lesley]

I your right Groatgrabber, do you know of anyone he can contact lol

[JBM]

Nice find well done, Jerry.