Scotland gifted replica '˜Terracotta Warriors' from China

Stirling Castle will play host to two replicas of China's legendary Terraccotta Warriors to help celebrate the country's Year of History, Heritage, and Archaeology.

Historic Environment Scotland announced today that the two warriors had been presented to the nation and will go on display at Stirling Castle, one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions.

The Terracotta Army was buried with the first Chinese Emperor, and are made up of over 8,000 terracotta sculpted soldiers, who were supposed to predict the Emperor in the afterlife.

The UNESCO World Heritage site in Northern China contains the vast majority of the soldiers, though some figures are occasionally loaned out to musuems around the world.

Now two reproductions of warriors have been sent to Scotland, and been formally taken into the nation’s custody by International Development Dr Alasdair Allan.

Dr Allan said: “I’d like to thank the Beijing HUA XIA YAN International Culture and Creative Company for gifting these two outstanding replica Terracotta Warriors to the people of Scotland.

“It is fitting that this Chinese cultural showcase is being held at a time when Scotland celebrates the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017.”

Dr David Mitchell, Director at the Engine Shed, a centre for conservation established by Historic Environment Scotland, added:

“Traditional skills and materials are particularly important to us, and our discussions with our Chinese colleagues have demonstrated that we share many common challenges and can benefit from sharing our knowledge.

“As a part of important activities in the Scottish Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, HES and the University of Stirling have been working with Beijing HUA XIA YAN International Culture and Creative Company from early this year to get the two beautiful reproductions of the Terracotta Warriors to Stirling.”