Raiders of the lost art

Rock of Ages exhibition in Dumbarton

- STAFF REPORTER

A 1,000-year-old Viking sword pommel, medieval coins and a replica of an embroidery panel created by Mary, Queen of Scots are among a number of historic artefacts on display as part of a new exhibition at Dumbarton Castle.

The Rock of Ages exhibition, located in the Governor's House, has opened following an extensive refurbishment which includes conservation works to help ensure a suitable environment for significant objects to be displayed to visitors.

The exhibition features historic objects from the HES collection, as well as loaned items from English Heritage and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum.

Artefacts which were discovered during a 1970s excavation of Dumbarton Rock, where over 300 objects were uncovered as well as the charred remains of the early fortress, are also on loan from the Hunterian Museum.

This includes a 1,000-year-old Viking sword pommel which may have come from the Viking siege of the Rock in AD 870.