An ancient key, which might once have kept a north-east nobleman’s treasured possessions locked up, has been found in Macduff.
The relic was unearthed by a local metal detector during a search of the town last year.
The medieval casket key was handed over to Treasure Trove, the body which ensures that Scotland’s historic artefacts are preserved and it has now passed the item on to Aberdeenshire Council for inclusion in its museum service.
It is hoped the ancient key will be unveiled to the public next year.
Helen Chavez, a documentation assistant for the museum service, branded the key a “high status” object.
She said: “[It] indicates Macduff’s importance during the 13th to 15th centuries.
“What is also important is that very few of these little casket keys have been found in Scotland, which makes this lovely wee key very rare.
“Our hope is that we can display it in Macduff at some point in 2017, possibly in the library or the new arts centre. It would have to be temporary, I’m afraid, as it is quite fragile.”
She has asked members of the public to suggest other places where they can be displayed.
She added: “Bear in mind that we have to be careful with environmental conditions and security, but we’re very keen for it to return to Macduff for exhibition.”
Treasure Trove determines if items found by metal detector enthusiasts and finders can be claimed by the Crown.
This includes deciding on the allocation of objects to museums and the payment of rewards to finders.
In addition to the Macduff key, other notable finds Treasure Trove have ruled on are a Viking sword pommel, unearthed on the Isle of Skye, and cannon fragments – from the early 16th century – in Kelso.
The museum service can be contacted by telephone on 01771 622807.