Appendix L: Criteria for allocation in the event of multiple applications
Criteria for the allocation of Treasure Trove in the event of multiple applications from accredited/registered museums
The overarching priority for SAFAP when allocating Treasure Trove is:
Enhancement of local heritage interpretations
There is a presumption that Crown-claimed material will be allocated locally unless a convincing argument for allocating it elsewhere is presented
The other criteria (unranked) for allocation that must be considered in these circumstances are:
National importance 4
Material may be defined as being of national importance if any or all of these criteria are fulfilled:
- it is a rare or unique type in a Scottish context or part of an assemblage containing such material; or
- it is of particularly high quality within its type; or
- it provides information of major significance (e.g. concerning the methods used in its manufacture or the nature of its subsequent use) not normally found on objects of its type; or
- the contextual information concerning the object or assemblage is of an exceptional nature.
Integrity of assemblages
Assemblages from archaeological fieldwork, all non-coin hoards, and many coin hoards, will normally be allocated in their entirety to a single applicant. Coin hoards will normally be allocated en bloc, unless in the opinion of SAFAP compelling reason to split them has been presented. Containers for coin hoards, and any other non-coin material directly associated with coin hoards, will normally be included in the allocation.
In the case of objects or assemblages where material from the same findspot already exists in one or more public collection, the principle of not splitting finds further should normally apply. Assuming an appropriate application has been lodged, allocation will normally be made to the institution which already possesses the previous finds - or, in instances where material is already in more than one museum - to the institution which holds the main relevant collection. SAFAP may require cartographic information in support of assertions that scattered finds from a locality can reasonably be construed as parts of the assemblage from a single site.
Conservation
Some Crown-claimed material may need special conservation monitoring or intervention. In such cases any applicants will already have been notified of any special requirement. An applicant will need to demonstrate to SAFAP the ability to provide the requisite additional conservation cover if such is specified
Potential to maximize public accessibility to, and understanding of, Crown claimed material
This will include consideration of the applicant's ability and proposals to contextualize the material in a public display. SAFAP will also take into consideration the ways in which the item is otherwise to be made accessible (e.g. through print publication, electronic media, loans to other museums, accessible storage facilities, etc.). These factors will be assessed on the basis of the information provided in the application and on SAFAP's general knowledge of the institution concerned.
Research potential
This will include consideration of the applicant's ability and proposals to enhance the research potential of its collection (e.g. if an institution aimed to build a representative set of objects types from a particular area, and needed a particular object or assemblage to fill an identifiable gap). This will be taken into consideration along with the ability of an applicant to undertake or facilitate research on the item either by its own staff or by third parties.
Exceptional circumstances
In exceptional circumstances there may be other factors to be taken into account by SAFAP in reaching its recommendation. When these circumstances arise, the applicants will be informed in advance of any additional issues which SAFAP considers relevant, and the justification for so doing.