Auldearn
Findspot (21st Century), Brooch (Romano-british), Torc (Bronze)(Iron Age)
Site Name Auldearn
Classification Findspot (21st Century), Brooch (Romano-british), Torc (Bronze)(Iron Age)
Canmore ID 351593
Site Number NH95NW 87
NGR NH 90 55
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/351593
- Council Highland
- Parish Auldearn
- Former Region Highland
- Former District Nairn
- Former County Nairn
Metal Detector Find (2014)
NH 90 55 An Iron Age bronze torc and a massive Romano-British brooch were found during metal detecting near Auldearn. They were found separately but may have been part of a single, plough-disturbed hoard. The torc is the first of its kind in Scotland – a loop-terminal torc with braided
hoop and worn trumpet decoration cast into the terminals. The form of the torc is much more familiar from southern Britain, but the style of decoration fits local NE Scottish metalworking traditions, and it is likely to be a local product.
The brooch is a remarkable, massive hybrid, 144mm in length, decorated with red, yellow and blue enamel, and originally with further enamel on the ornate knob on the bow. The decoration includes a wide variety of Celtic motifs, individually familiar in Roman Iron Age art but most unusual
to find in combination.
Claimed as Treasure Trove (TT 86/14, 87/14), allocated to National Museums Scotland
Fraser Hunter - National Museums Scotland
(Source: DES)
