A MYSTERIOUS jewel found in a closet at one of Scotland's great stately homes has been saved for the nation after being bought by National Museums Scotland for more than £230,000

The Fettercairn Jewel was part of a treasure trove meticulously collected by the generations of a Scottish family which went under the hammer at Sotheby's in London this week.

Said to bear a remarkable resemblance to the famous Darnley Jewel, normally on display in Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, the16th century enamelled gold pendant fetched more than four times its asking price.

Previously unknown, it was found in a closet off the library and was originally priced at £50,000.

It was part of a hoard amassed by the Forbes family which boasted rare paintings, furniture, books, and personal possessions.

Other items included a broadsword wielded by the Jacobite Alexander Forbes in the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745, artworks by John Robert Cozens, Sir Henry Raeburn and Allan Ramsay.

The sale also saw around 70 items from the collection the Marquis of Lothian - a title currently held by the MP Michael Ancram - drawn from the attics and stores of Monteviot House.

Both collections were sold to different buyers for £3,799,077 overall.

Harry Dalmeny, Sotheby’s UK Chairman, said: “These two collections provoked intense bidding throughout a marathon sale which lasted nine hours and saw a steady stream of auctioneers take to the rostrum.

"We’re thrilled to have been able to share with both collectors and public alike, through such rich content, as many revelations about the history of Scotland as about the families who assembled them over nearly four centuries.”

David Macdonald, Sotheby’s Specialist in charge of the sale, added: “Though both collections recently made the journey from Scotland to London for the auction, it’s lovely to think that many of the items will make the journey back home again, especially the Fettercairn Jewel.

"The response from private collectors, not only Scottish but from all over the world, has been extraordinary, and the fact that a number of institutions were able to secure works was a fitting conclusion to what has been a unique celebration of all things Scottish.”