The Stirling TORCS consist of a collection of four golden Iron Age Torcs, a type of necklace, all dating back to the period between 300 and 100 B.C. These torcs were deliberately buried at some point in ancient times and were unearthed using a metal detector in a field near Blair Drummond, Sterlingshire, Scotland, on September 28, 2009. This discovery is considered the most significant find of Iron Age metalwork in Scotland and holds international importance. The torcs were appraised at £462,000 and were eventually acquired by the National Museum of Scotland in March 2011 following a public appeal.
All four torcs were buried together, approximately 15-20 centimeters (6-8 inches) below the surface. Subsequent archaeological research revealed that they were originally buried within a roundhouse, a prehistoric circular building. The presence of these torcs in the building suggests possible religious significance, as items from hoards like these were typically offerings to deities or valuable possessions hidden during times of turmoil or conflict. Interestingly, the building lacked features typically associated with dwellings, such as a hearth.
Although all four torcs date from the same period (300-100 B.C.), they exhibit surprisingly diverse forms and styles, enhancing the significance of the discovery. Two of them, the twisted ribbon torcs (numbered 1-2 in the display photo), are in excellent condition and feature an elegant and relatively simple design. They were crafted from a flat strip of gold that was twisted and represent a local style of jewelry with origins in both Scotland and Ireland, dating back to the Late Bronze Age. One of them has simple hook terminals, while the other boasts more decorative disc terminals.
The third torc is partially broken, with only half of the original artifact surviving in two fragments. It takes the form of a tubular ring torc, which would have had a hinge and a fastening mechanism. In contrast to the ribbon torcs, it exhibits a more refined design and has been identified as a type originating from the region of Toulouse in southern France. This is the first known specimen of its kind found in Great Britain.
The fourth torc is a loop-end torsion torc, assembled and in good condition. It is constructed from eight gold wires twisted together and features intricately decorated terminals and a short safety clasp. Dr. Fraser Hunter, curator of the Iron Age and Romans at the National Museum of Scotland, describes it as a remarkable combination of Mediterranean craftsmanship and traditional Iron Age motifs. It is possible that this torc was created by a craftsman who had learned their trade in the Mediterranean region and was commissioned for a local chieftain. Its presence, along with the third torc, suggests significant connections between Scotland and southern Europe. There are no other known artifacts directly comparable to this one. The last notable discovery of torcs in Scotland occurred in 1857 when gold ribbon torcs were found at Loe Farm in Moray. The diversity of styles and origins of the Stirling TORCS is akin to the variety of items found in the Breuther Hoard in Northern Ireland, likely from a slightly later period.