Finlay Carson MSP has written to Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, urging her support to bring the Galloway Viking Hoard back to Dumfries and Galloway.
The large Viking hoard was found by a metal detectorist in Galloway in September 2014 and is currently being held by the Crown awaiting allocation to a museum by the Scottish Archaeological Finds Allocation Panel. The two interested parties, National Museums Scotland and Dumfries & Galloway Council have been working on a collaborative approach to the acquisition of the hoard.
The proposed arrangements would see Dumfries & Galloway Council and National Museums Scotland hold joint title over the hoard, enabling it to be displayed alternately at Kirkcudbright and the National Museum in Edinburgh.
In his letter to the Minister, Finlay Carson, Member of the Scottish Parliament for Galloway & West Dumfries said:
“This is of great importance to my constituency of Galloway & West Dumfries. Bringing the Hoard back to the area, on a long-term secure basis I believe, would bring a great amount of excitement, add to levels of tourism and media coverage further adding to both the economic and cultural prosperity of the region.
“Any influence you can direct at ensuring a partnership agreement that acknowledges the significance of hosting the hoard in the local area would be greatly appreciated.”
