Discovery of unique 3,000-year-old Bronze Age hoard gives new insight into Scotland’s history

Peebles (Scottish Gaelic: Na Pùballan) is a lovely town nestled into the west corner of the Scottish Borders. It lies at the confluence of the River Tweed (Scottish Gaelic: Abhainn Thuaidh) and Eddleston Water. It was in a field close to Peebles, in June 2020, that a Bronze Age hoard was found. It was discovered by a 44-year-old hobby metal detectorist, Mariusz Stepien, who is a resident of Edinburgh. The find was announced on 10 August 2020. Mariusz was detecting with friends when he found the first item. It was 24 inches (60 centimetres) below ground level. He immediately reported it to the Treasure Trove Unit and National Museums Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Taigh-tasgaidh Nàiseanta na h-Alba). 

There followed a twenty-two day period of investigation on the site by archaeologists. Mariusz and his friends stayed there while the excavations continued, growing ever more excited as the importance of their find became clear. A unique 3,000-year-old Bronze Age hoard that has been described as giving; "a new insight into Scotland’s history". A complete horse harness and sword dating back to between 900BC and 1,000BC were found. During their dig, archaeologists also found a sword still in its scabbard, decorated straps, buckles, rings, ornaments and chariot wheel axle caps, along with evidence of a decorative rattle pendant to be hung from the harness, the first one found in Scotland.

Mariusz described his feelings as his find was uncovered: “I thought I’ve never seen anything like this before and felt from the very beginning that this might be something spectacular and I’ve just discovered a big part of Scottish history.” He said: “I was over the moon, actually shaking with happiness. There are no words that could describe how happy and excited I am.” As well as the artefacts the soil had preserved the organic elements of the hoard such as leather and wood, allowing experts to trace the straps that connected the rings and buckles together to make the harness. The hoard, removed from the site in a large block of soil, is now being further investigated at National Museums Scotland’s collection centre in Edinburgh. 

Image above: Part of Peebles Hoard courstesy Crown Office Communications.

Image below: Mariusz Stepien standing next to hoard courtesy Crown Office Communications/PA.