THIS is the incredible Viking treasure hoard that bagged one lucky metal detector enthusiast nearly £2million.

Scot Derek McLennan, 49, stumbled across an unprecedented 10th century haul of rare Viking coins, jewellery and pottery in 2014.

And now he has been handed his second trove of riches – after a Scotland national museums were told they must give him £1.98million for the find.

The Galloway Hoard was described by experts as “one of the most important finds ever discovered in Scotland”.

The 100-item haul included an early Christian cross, silver brooches and bracelets and gold rings.

National Museums Scotland now has six months to find the money Derek is owed after his find in Dumfries and Galloway

Scottish Archeaological Finds Panel spokeswoman Evelyn Silber said: “The panel is grateful to the finder for reporting these stunning artefacts which include decorative glass beads, silver bracelets and brooches, a gold ring, a bird-shaped gold pin and a highly-decorated gilt vessel recognised as being one of only three known examples.

“These will now be preserved and put on display for the people of Scotland, and the world, to enjoy.

“The mysterious circumstances of their deposition and unique quality will attract researchers and enthusiasts alike.”

At the time Archaeologists called the discovery the most significant Viking hoard ever discovered in Scotland.

The metal detector buff said at the time he was left speechless when he found the haul.

And it has emerged the bumper pay-out news comes as the couple battle back from a near-fatal crash in November.

Seven months before this weeks’ massive pay-out, Derek was involved in the horrific road smash with partner Sharon McKee, 43, as they travelled to England for a metal detecting trip.

They were on their way to a dig near Doncaster when a lorry rammed into the back of their car at around 60mph.

Derek, from Ayrshire, revealed last month in a that the impact “propelled” them into oncoming traffic and leaving their Mercedes looking “like a banana”. He described the smash as “total carnage”.

Sharon was taken into intensive care in Newcastle before being transferred back to Scotland where she spent several weeks in hospital.

In the online post just weeks before news of the massive pay-out, Derek said they are both still in recovery and “every day is a challenge”.

David Harvie, the Queen’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer – the officer responsible for treasure finds in Scotland – said: “This Viking hoard is one of the most important finds ever discovered in Scotland and is of international significance.”

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