In the week that snow gritters have been spotted prowling the summerfree streets of Scotland I am pleased to report that Dundee University has news that has put a face to an old inhabitant of South Lanarkshire, somewhat older than most - he’s from some 4,000 years ago.

Resident of South Lanarkshire on Display

He lived at a warm period in Scotland’s history and hopefully gritters were unknown to this Copper Age man. His skeleton was called Thankerton Man and it was found in a stone cist - that is kind of burial chamber – in Thankerton at Boatbridge Quarry, South Lanarkshir as long ago as 1970. It must have been like a scene from Taggart. Now using modern 3D modelling technology the Dundee scientists have recreated the face of a young man who lived more than 4,000 years ago.

Magnificent Reconstruction

The reconstruction was produced by specialists from Dundee’s Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) and they worked from detailed analysis of the skull. He was a young chap only around 18-25 at the time of his death which was radiocarbon-dated to between 2460 BC and 2140 BC which is definitely back in the mists of time.

High Praise

The reconstructed image will go on show at the Biggar and Upper Clydesdale Museum, which opens on Tuesday. Dr Alison Sheridan, National Museums Scotland, praised the reconstruction thus: "This is a magnificent piece of work that really brings the past to light. It has spurred us on to arrange the DNA analysis of this man's remains."

A Tall Order

The estimated height of the first Scotsman was around 5ft 11ins (1.8 metres), which was probably pretty tall in the Copper Age and certainly tall enough for the modern day coppers. The burial cist contained a finely-decorated beaker which had held food or drink for the deceased's journey into the afterlife.

Instant Heirlooms

Now if you want some instant heirlooms that will be worth preserving for future generations and give you years of use beforehand, even though we can’t give you a Copper Age beaker, you should try out our magnificent recreations of William Morris’ genius in the Royal Worcester - Morris and Co Fine Bone China Mug, Strawberry Thief. Originally a fabric designed by Morris and registered in 1883 Strawberry Thief was the first indigo discharge printed on cotton at Merton Abbey. It’s on special offer too.

https://www.jamespirie.com/royal-worcester/morris-and-co-fine-bone-china-mug-strawberry-thief-chocolate-slate.html

Or you could have something of artistic charm like Border Fine Arts figurine sculpture - The Beautiful Bradford which is in a limited edition and again with more than few bob off.

https://www.jamespirie.com/border-fine-arts/border-fine-arts-the-classic-collection/the-beautiful-bradford-l-e-400-new.html

Or the very best of fine goods the fantastic Royal Scot Crystal - Dragonfly Lily Vase which is a treat for everyone’s eyes. And yes surprisingly readers it is on special offer.

https://www.jamespirie.com/royal-scot-crystal/giftware/dragonfly/lily-vase-giftware-new.html