Crofter finds a 'Viking' anchor on the Isle of Skye

BBC ^ | Thursday, December 3, 2009 | unattributed

[SunkenCiv]

A crofter... Graeme Mackenzie, 47, made the find after hiring an excavator to open the drain on rough pastureland 50yds (48m) from his home near Sleat. Rain had partly washed away the bottom of the drain and exposed a corroded 4in (10cm) iron spike. Mr Mackenzie levered it out and was "stunned" as the ancient anchor gradually emerged. The Treasure Trove Unit at the National Museums of Scotland said the anchor will probably be claimed by the Crown. Measuring 4ft high and a similar distance from tip to tip, the artefact is undergoing dating and metallurgical testing. Preliminary results showed it is at least of medieval, possibly Viking, origin and could be about 1,000 years old. If proved to be Viking, the find would be further evidence that many Norse raiders never returned to their native land, choosing instead to settle on Skye and many other places along Scotland's northwestern seaboard.

[SunkenCiv]

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[guitarplayer1953]

How can the crown claim this item?

[NormsRevenge]

For some .. The Skye’s the limit.

Go Vikes

[blam]

" If proved to be Viking, the find would be further evidence that many Norse raiders never returned to their native land, choosing instead to settle on Skye and many other places along Scotland's northwestern seaboard. "

There's no question about that, the DNA proves it.

[blam]

"Go Vikes"

Roll Tide.

[JoeProBono]

Loch Duich

[1rudeboy]

How can the crown claim this item?

Simple answer? Because it's the Crown.

The complicated answer is that the Crown claims the item, and pays compensation to the finder and landowner (I'm not up on the current state of UK law).

[guitarplayer1953]

It would seem that if it is a Viking artifact and it was found in northern Scotland would it not belong to some other country? And how can they place a value on it?

[1rudeboy]

Well (not trying to be a smartass about it), if someone else can claim title to the anchor, then it’s up to a court to decide if the title and claim are valid.

[muawiyah]

I'll be stuned with a beeber on this one ~ sure doesn't belong to the Crown. Ever so great Granduncle Tavish McAlexander stole that long boat fair and square from Nelson Longtooth!

That anchor is mine!

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

It would seem that if it is a Viking artifact and it was found in northern Scotland would it not belong to some other country? And how can they place a value on it?

Scotland is part of the United Kingdom.

[guitarplayer1953]

Was it in 1009?

[Anitius Severinus Boethius]

Was it found in 1009?

[MSF BU]

I understood it to mean he found something of value and he’ll have it taken from him.

[YHAOS]

"How can the crown claim this item?"

Because the Crown has the guns.

[lack-of-trust]

a) what’s a crofter?

b) how does the anchor prove vikings settled in Skye vs some viking lost his anchor?

[guitarplayer1953]

It said that it was 1000 years old so that would make it in the early 10th century would it not?

[Prodigal Son]

All the discussion about the Crown aside, I would like to point out that by many people’s reckoning, the Isle of Skye is the most beautiful spot in Scotland. It’s certainly one of my favorite spots and I would tend to agree with the assessment- although I have a soft spot for Wester Ross (area just south of Ullapool) as well.

If you ever visit Scotland, don’t just go to Edinburgh and Ft William. Definitely, definitely drive over to Skye and check it out. Stay a night or two. Drive all the way round the island. It’s worth it.

[Prodigal Son]

The walk to Loch Corruisk is worth is as well (as long as you’re there)