The Brooch of Lorn A large turreted brooch, currently on loan to National Museums Scotland from the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust. Tradition tells that it once belonged to Robert the Bruce (Robert I of Scotland, r. 1306-1329), however the brooch in its current form dates to the 16th or early 17th centuries. It comprises a central, hollow tower, adorned by a large rock crystal that may well be much older, which is surrounded by eight inward-leaning ‘turrets’, each clasping a pearl. These stones were considered powerful objects in their own right; their inclusion, along with the fine silverwork, enhances the brooch as a real status item. Find out more about the Brooch of Lorn here: Explore page Museum No: IL.2012.62 Material: Silver, rock crystal, pearl Dimensions: 90mm diameter, 58mm high Period: Late medieval – early modern Model produced by photogrammetry by Dr Hugo Anderson-Whymark, 2023. Image, text and annotations courtesy and copyright of National Museum Scotland.