Kirkcudbright Viking treasure bid seeks council backing

The cost of bringing the hoard to Kirkcudbright could be up to £1m

Councillors are being asked to pledge £100,000 to a public appeal to secure a major Viking hoard for the Kirkcudbright gallery project.

It has been acknowledged that inclusion of the treasure in the new facility would boost visitor numbers.

The items were discovered in Galloway last year by a metal detectorist.

The Treasure Trove Panel will decide where the artefacts end up but Dumfries and Galloway Council is being asked to back a bid to bring them to the region.

A report to the Kirkcudbright common good sub committee states that the acquisition of the hoard would be a considerable draw for visitors to the town and the new gallery, with benefits for the local economy.

Ownership bid

However, finance is a major issue with the plans with the collection thought to be worth between £500,000 and £1m.

All accredited museums in Scotland can bid for ownership.

The local authority has been advised that £100,000 should be allocated from the common good fund to kick-start a public appeal.

If the bid to bring the Viking hoard to Kirkcudbright was to prove unsuccessful, the council's pledge would not be called upon.