St. Ninians Treasure

HC Deb 25 March 1968 vol 761 cc223-4W

Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to restore the St. Ninians Treasure to the Museum in Shetland where it could be housed in modern conditions and in a soot-free atmosphere, and where the crime rate is minimal or non-existent.

Mr. Ross

In view of its importance, the Treasure, which is Crown property, is most appropriately housed in the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland where it can conveniently be seen by large numbers of the interested public. In accordance with the conditions of transfer to the National Museum, replicas of most of the items will be pre sented to the Shetland Museum shortly; replicas of most of the items will be pre-presented as soon as they are ready. The Treasure itself was on loan to the Shetland Museum in 1966, and in accordance with their normal practice the Trustees are prepared to consider further loans if asked to do so.