Simple terms explainer

Archaeological finds recovered in Scotland are a category of ownerless property and can be claimed by the Crown on behalf of the public so that Scotland’s heritage can be preserved in public collections for everyone’s benefit. Councils support the treasure trove system by advising finders on reporting finds and liaise with the Treasure Trove unit on follow-up excavations for detected and chance finds. Furthermore, Councils also monitor organised archaeological fieldwork that is initiated by the planning process, including the standards for excavation assemblages allocated to museums through the treasure trove process.