10. THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL AUTHORITY ARCHAEOLOGIST
10.1 Local Authority archaeologists ought to be familiar with the Treasure Trove system and must make reference to it when making provision for organized archaeological fieldwork to be undertaken through the planning system.
10.2 All permissions for organized archaeological fieldwork approved by a Local Authority should state clearly that any finds recovered must be reported for Treasure Trove purposes to the TTU (or directly to Historic Scotland in the case of work which it funds).
10.3 If a chance find is notified to a Local Authority archaeologist she/he may be able to advise the finder on whether the object is a portable antiquity and therefore whether it should be reported as potential Treasure Trove.
10.4 In such cases the Local Authority archaeologist should where possible assist the finder to report her/his find to the TTU. She/he should be able to outline the Treasure Trove system (see Appendix N for a suitable information sheet to give enquirers) and it may be possible for a Local Authority archaeologist to retain the object, issue a receipt, and forward the object to the TTU.
10.5 If a chance find is notified which remains in situ a Local Authority archaeologist should arrange for its immediate protection and organize appropriate specialist recovery, if necessary in liaison with other bodies such as Historic Scotland, National Museums Scotland and/or a regional/ local museum.
TT.37/07 Iron Age loop fastener from North Uist, Western Isles. Allocated to Museum nan Eilean, Stornoway.
This fastener is an example of an object with a typically Iron Age motif, the comma scroll, but the object itself has no direct parallels although it is probably a loop fastener for a harness. It is often the case that in outlying areas beyond the main sphere of influence, objects were adapted to suit local tastes rather than following purely mainstream fashions.