Relic found in second-hand shop now among rarest objects in Scotland

A rare 11th-century brass astrolabe, discovered in a second-hand shop, has become one of Scotland’s most remarkable historic artefacts as it turns 1,000 years old.

Crafted in Spain and intricately inscribed, the instrument is among the oldest surviving signed and dated astrolabes in Europe. Now held by the National Museum of Scotland, the object was originally used to interpret the heavens, helping scholars track stars and time.

Experts say its age, condition and provenance make it exceptionally significant.