A young archery enthusiast is aiming for victory in a battle over who rightfully owns a priceless Perthshire artefact.
Using an ancient law, longbowman Ben Johnson has laid down the gauntlet to a wealthy landowner to return the medieval Rattray Silver Arrow to its ”rightful” home in the village.
However, more than a month later, the 23-year-old has yet to hear from Lord Robert Mercer-Nairne of Meikleour Estate.
Once the centrepiece of Rattray’s famous grand tournament, the trophy was last won by Jacobite John Nairne in 1717 and has been passed down through his family.
In 2006, Lord Robert sparked fury when he attempted to auction the item crafted by Perth silversmith Thomas Ramsay in 1612 for up to £60,000. The public outcry that ensued prevented the high-profile Sotheby’s sale.
”I will not stop until this piece of history is returned to the people it rightfully belongs to,” Ben told The Courier this week. ”I made my case back in January and had hoped to at least get an acknowledgement by now I am sure Lord Robert is aware of it.
”I understand it is a very valuable item that has now been in his family for many years but it belongs to the village of Rattray it represents generations of local families’ history and culture.”
He added: ”I am not headhunting or baying for blood here I just want what is right for the community.”
Ben, who lives in Blairgowrie, is originally from Nottingham the home of famed archer Robin Hood. He got into the unusual sport at school and is now one of only around 100 people across the globe able to use a medieval war bow, which have a 12-stone draw weight.
He wants to reintroduce archery to Rattray and start a new grand tournament as part of the local Highland Games, which should attract bowmen from far and wide.
Ben said: ”When I moved up here I had never heard about the arrow trophy but I soon realised how it important it still was to locals. I found a legal document dating back to 1727 to use in my case to have it returned.
”The deed says the arrow must be produced whenever a challenge is made, or the holder will be fined for every day it is withheld. I am making that challenge.”
Ben attended a recent meeting of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council in traditional attire and equipped with longbow and sword to make his point known, and members have backed the cause.
Ben said: ”At the moment I am keeping positive and believe the call will be successful I am willing to take it further if need be.
”No matter how much cash it is worth, its history is worth more. It does not belong in a drawer hidden away on an estate, or a museum miles away, but to the local community.”
He added: ”I would love to see it housed in a central location in the village for all to see locals and tourists. I do not want to lose it to the pages of history.
”However, even if we do not get the arrow back I am still keen to reinstate the archery championships and would urge anyone of any age who is interested to get in touch.”
Lord Robert and the Meikleour Estate were unavailable for comment.
Ben can be contacted on rattraysilverarrow@gmail.com