ANTICIPATION hung in the air last week as the first of around 70 metal-detecting enthusiasts arrived on Ardkinglas Estate, Cairndow.
The organiser of the weekend event was Grant Maxwell of DetectingScotland.com, who had paid visits earlier in the year to the location. A number of ‘finds’ turned up dur ing one of those trips in the early spring, including a 1797 penny; a late 17th/early 18th century silver buckle; a Dandy button worn on the coats of elegantly attired 18th century gentlemen; some musket and grape shot. But the most importantly find of all was an insular mount from the 7th/8th century, of which Grant ex plained: ‘It would be mounted on a sword or bridle for good luck or to show ownership. It could be Viking related, and the Treasure Trove people in Edinburgh say it is hugely significant.’
Last Saturday dawned wet and windy, and pretty much stayed that way all day.