ONE OF SCOTLAND’S most important treasures could be heading back to Arbroath Abbey, its home for generations, writes Steve Bargeton, political editor.

The Monymusk Reliquary, also known as the Breccbennach, is said to have housed a relic of St Columba, who brought Christianity to much of Scotland.

It was kept in the care of Arbroath Abbey and is said to have been carried by the Abbot of Arbroath, Bernard de Linton, at the Battle of Bannockburn.

The reliquary, believed to have been made in the 8th century, is revered as a symbol of nationhood. It is in the National Museum of Scotland and Arbroath councillor Jim Millar has been trying to secure it on loan for Arbroath Abbey.

Mr Millar, once manager of the abbey, has received an encouraging response from Jane Carmichael, of the National Museum.

“As you indicate, a loan could only take place if adequate security and environmental conditions were met,” she wrote.

“If these were met, then we would be prepared to look at the possibility of a short-term loan of three to six months depending on other NMS commitments.”

Mr Millar is to ask Angus Council to conduct a feasibility study.

“The abbey visitor centre would be an ideal place to display the reliquary and, by having one of Scotland’s greatest treasures here, it could very much enhance the Tartan Day celebrations or be kept over the summer period to provide even more reasons for visitors to come to Arbroath,” he said.