Archaeologists discovered 3,000-year-old weapons buried on an island. The weapons are said to be from the Bronze Age and were found in a former loch at the RSPB Scotland site on the Isle of Coll.

The archaeologists found 12 pieces, which scientists believe could have been intentionally broken as part of a ceremony which could be some sort of offering to gods and goddesses of the ancient times.

The broken pieces of the weapons that were collected from the site have been handed over to the Kilmartin Museum in Argyll for ongoing conservation and care.

A number of times in past, bronze swords were excavated from Coll in 19th century. But the recently unearthed swords have no links and are the first of its kind. The investigation of the site was led by archaeologists at the Treasure Trove Unit, National Museums Scotland and RSPB Scotland.

Trevor Cowie, researcher from National Museums Scotland’s department of Scottish history and archaeology, said in a statement that several objects from the Bronze period have been discovered in the west of Scotland in past, but still they have very less information about the exact places where they were found.

“Archaeological techniques have developed dramatically since those 19th century discoveries were made, so we have a great opportunity here to resolve many unanswered questions about life on Coll some 3,000 years ago”, said Cowie.

The finds will be open for public display on Thursday and Friday at Isle of Coll’s An Cridhe community centre. Cowie will also deliver talk about the discovery.