Overview
- Recent conservation at National Museums Scotland revealed a silver-coloured surface on several items dating to around 1000–800 BC.
- Scientific analysis indicates the effect comes from high surface tin concentrations produced by intentional enrichment rather than the use of silver.
- Discovered near Peebles in 2020, the hoard contains more than 500 bronze and organic objects, including rattle pendants, a sword in a wooden scabbard, and bronze buttons on cords.
- Allocated to the museum in 2024, the hoard was lifted as a single block and excavated under controlled laboratory conditions in Edinburgh to preserve fragile materials.
- The museum expects about three years of conservation and research funded by the Leche Trust, the Pilgrim Trust and private donors, with many objects’ functions still being investigated.