(558)  PROPERTY OR OBLIGATION?  THE CASE OF THE RATTRAY ARROW

PROPERTY OR OBLIGATION?  THE CASE OF THE RATTRAY ARROW

 

The Rattray Arrow, created in 1612 and presented to the community of Rattray by a local minister as an archery prize, became the subject of fierce controversy in spring 2006 when local laird Robert Mercer-Nairne, who held possession of the arrow, put it up to be sold by auction at Sotheby’s in June.  The protests of the community, led by local historians, forced the arrow’s withdrawal from sale.  Mr Mercer-Nairne then published a letter to the Rip van Winkle” community in the Blairgowrie Advertiser