The discovery of the Galloway Hoard, a Viking Age gold and silver hoard, has prompted fresh research into the early medieval period in Galloway.

The hoard contains an amazing collection of objects, both in terms of wealth and the array of cultural groups represented within the hoard.

The cultural connections seen in the hoard are reflective of the dynamic socio-political landscape in Galloway at this time. This talk from Orla Craig, studying a PHD at the University of Glasgow, will discuss the results of new research into this little-understood period in Galloway’s history, looking first at what we know about Balmaghie itself at the time the hoard was buried, around the year 900 AD, and then at how this sits within the wider landscape of Galloway.

With no historical documents from Galloway in this period, this research looks at the archaeological, landscape and place name evidence to pull out evidence for routeways through the landscape, the growing presence of the church and the groups competing for political control leading to the eventual formation of the Lordship of Galloway.

Location: Balmaghie Kirk

Cost: Entrance free. Tickets available on EventBrite or turn up on the night.