Message #256531

[Guard]

Derek McLennan, who found the trove, was approached by Richard Welander, head of collections with Historic Scotland, who was aware of the previous use of the hospital’s CT scanner for research. With the permission of hospital chief, the pot was brought in for an evening scanning session (pictured)

A scan of the Carolingian pot was conducted by Dr John Reid, consultant radiographer at the BGH, who is also a keen amateur archaeologist.

He was approached by Richard Welander, head of collections with Historic Scotland, who was aware of the previous use of the hospital’s CT scanner for archaeological research.

With the permission of hospital chief Calum Campbell, the pot was brought in for an evening scanning session.

‘This work takes place outwith normal hours and in no way impedes the important work we do for our human patients,' said Dr Reid.

‘The scanner is both rapid and accurate, with the ability to produce 120 visual slices, and is accurate to within half a millimetre.’

The monitoring screen revealed the presence of five silver broaches, smaller gold ingots and ivory beads coated with gold - all wrapped in an organic material, possibly leather.

Dr Reid added: ‘The conservationists did not want to [grope] about and compromise this precious object.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2833174/A-peek-inside-Viking-piggybank-CT-scans-treasure-chest-reveal-hidden-brooches-gold-ingots-ivory-beads.html#ixzz3J7AKqjHI
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook