Scotland's Treasure Hotspots Revealed in New Analysis
Midlothian leads the country in unearthed valuables, with a high density of historical finds.
New analysis from gold specialists at BullionVault has identified the top locations for buried treasure caches across Scotland, highlighting the nation's rich archaeological heritage. The study reveals that Midlothian, home to historical landmarks such as Rosslyn Castle, Crichton Castle, and Rosslyn Chapel, tops the list with 119 recorded finds.
Across Scotland, treasure hunters and archaeologists have uncovered an average of 34 pieces of hidden valuables for every 39 square miles. East Lothian and Midlothian together accounted for 169 separate finds and 369 scheduled monuments. Neighboring regions Roxburgh, Ettrick, and Lauderdale recorded 91 finds and 278 scheduled monuments, while Dumfries reported 84 finds and 1,031 scheduled monuments.
Dan Jay, director at BullionVault, noted the contrast between past discoveries and surviving historic sites. "Midlothian ranks fourth in the UK and top in Scotland with the second-highest concentration of recorded treasure finds in Britain," Jay stated. "East Lothian takes eighth place overall and second in Scotland, showing fewer recorded discoveries but the second-highest density of scheduled monuments in the analysis." He added that "past discoveries tell one part of the story, while surviving historic sites offer another perspective on Scotland’s rich archaeological heritage."
BullionVault's interest in historical artifacts stems from their work in precious metals. "A historic coin or piece of jewellery can tell us much more than its weight in gold or silver, it can offer a glimpse of trade, craftsmanship and everyday life hundreds or even thousands of years ago," Jay explained.
Recent discoveries include a 13th-century jug containing 250 medieval silver coins found near Roslin in 2019 by metal detectorist Jarek Musialkowski. Last year, a rare silver penny belonging to King David I, valued at £15,000, was discovered by detectorists in Midlothian.
The majority of relics excavated in Scotland are medieval and Roman coins, often found near ruins by hobbyists using metal detectors. Historic Environment Scotland reminds the public that carrying out metal detecting activities at scheduled monuments is illegal and emphasizes the importance of observing laws regarding responsible metal detecting. The organization works with partners like Police Scotland and Treasure Trove to provide guidance on these regulations.