Belongings of Isle of Lewis murder victim preserved in a peatbog for 250 years go on display

The personal belongings of an unknown murder victim who was buried in a peatbog on the Isle of Lewis are set to go on display for the first time in a generation.

The objects including an “exceptionally” well-persevered knitted bonnet from a mysterious 250-year-old burial on Arnish Moor have been loaned out from National Museums Scotland to the Kinloch Historical Society.

The body was first discovered in 1964, with forensic analysis at the time revealing he was around 20 to 25 years old.

A fracture on the back of his head was discovered which indicated he may have been murdered.

Conservator Lynn McClean prepares the Arnish Moor Man's knitted bonnet. — Conservator Lynn McClean prepares the Arnish Moor Man’s knitted bonnet. Duncan McClean/National Museums Scotland

The young man’s identity remains unknown, but his clothing and personal belongings provide a rare insight into life in the Outer Hebrides in the early 1700s.

The knitted bonnet is now a brownish green colour, but analysis revealed traces of indigo typical of the traditional blue bonnets worn in the Scottish Highlands and Islands in the 18th century.

It is displayed alongside other personal items that were found with him, including a wooden comb and quills.

Experts said these objects suggest the man was educated and was perhaps a scholar or an apprentice clerk.

The young man’s clothing included a well-worn jacket covered in intricate hand-stitched repairs, which is too fragile to be displayed.

The knitted bonnet is now a brownish green colour, but analysis revealed traces of indigo. Duncan McClean/National Museums Scotland

Although the young man’s remains were not discovered until the 1960s, stories of a murder on the moor have been passed down through generations, becoming part of the lore and identity of the local community.

Dr Anna Groundwater, principal curator of Renaissance and Early Modern History at National Museums Scotland, said the possessions paint a portrait of a young man who “cared about how he looked, despite being of limited means”.

“We do know that his life was cut tragically short,” she added.

“It has been a privilege to work with colleagues at the Kinloch Historical Society and with the local community in Lewis to bring his story to life and learn more about the historical context and oral traditions that surround the mystery of the Arnish Moor Man.”