The Treasure Trove Unit is returning to Aberdeen this October for a special Treasure Trove Aberdeen Finds Day, giving members of the public the opportunity to discover more about Scotland's archaeological heritage, meet experts and have their own archaeological discoveries assessed.
Taking place at the University's Sir Duncan Rice Library on Saturday 17 October from 10am to 4pm, the event is suitable for adults and children and will feature talks, hands-on activities and opportunities to meet local archaeology and heritage groups.
Members of the public who have made a chance discovery of an archaeological object can book an appointment with the Treasure Trove Unit team. Experts will be available to assess objects, provide advice and explain what happens to finds that may be of historical or cultural significance.
Chance discoveries made by members of the public can make an important contribution to understanding Scotland’s past. The Treasure Trove system helps ensure that archaeological finds of cultural significance are protected for the benefit of the nation and preserved in museums across Scotland.
The day will include a talk by Dr George Prew-Stell from the Treasure Trove Unit. Taking place from 12pm to 12.45pm, New Treasures from Aberdeenshire will introduce visitors to the Treasure Trove system in Scotland and explore some of the most the interesting objects that have passed through the system in recent years.
Dr Prew-Stell joined the Treasure Trove team in 2022. His archaeological interests include the Iron Age and Roman periods, as well as dress items and small decorative objects from the Late Medieval period. His previous archaeological work has taken him to Tuscany, Umbria and Wiltshire.
University Collections will also be offering a range of activities throughout the day. Visitors will have the opportunity to handle archaeological objects, learn more about the Pictish stones on display in the University Library and make their own rubbing from a replica Pictish stone.
For younger visitors there will be mini sandpit digs, Roman Coin Connect 4 and a Lego archaeological excavation.
Representatives from Mid Grampian Mesolithic and Mesolithic Deeside will give visitors the chance to find out more about community archaeology and ongoing efforts to investigate evidence for prehistoric people in the region.
Jen Shaw, Learning and Outreach Officer, University Collections, said: “We’re delighted to be part of Treasure Trove Aberdeen Finds Day and to welcome people of all ages to explore the University’s collections.
“If you’ve discovered something that you think could be archaeological or of historic interest, this is a great opportunity to bring it along and speak to the experts from the Treasure Trove Unit.
“We hope people will come along, get involved and perhaps see the history around them in a new light.”
To book a space at the New treasures from Aberdeenshire Talk visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/talk-new-treasures-from-aberdeenshire-tickets-1996996754049?aff=oddtdtcreator
Saturday 17 October 2026, 10am–4pm, Sir Duncan Rice Library