Meet the Minelab Detexperts - Sharon and Derek McLlennan

DEREK McLENNANC and T — Scotland

Bio

Derek has held a life long interest in history and historical research, however it wasn't until 2011 that he was first able to get into detecting. He's wasted little time though as he's paired his love of history with his passion for detecting and now works as a full-time 'Hoard Hunter'. Along with his wife, Sharon, he has identified, discovered and helped in the recovery of fourteen treasure hoards across Scotland and England. His finds have ranged from the Bronze Age (3500 BC) through the medieval period (14th Centure AD). Derek's most memorable, and most significant, find was The Galloway Hoard, regarded as the richest collection of rare and unique Viking age objects ever found in Britain or Ireland. On top of his time in the field, Derek also writes about metal detecting for a number of international detecting and lifestyle magazines as well as assisting in research for several international televisions shows.

Milking the system, a professional hoard hunter, just as well that the Treasure reward is discretionary. And just for good measure, another ML Detexpert and finder of the Galloway hoard:

SHARON MCLENNANCandT — Scotland

Bio
Sharon first picked up a detector as a child in outback Western Australia, her earliest detecting memories are of pulling the bright yellow gold from the deep red Australian dirt. Many years later in 2010, seeking a better work-life balance she got her own detector and headed out into one of Scotlands worst winters. Since then, detecting has become her life. With so many great finds to her name it's difficult to narrow down her best detecting experiences but for Sharon, discovering a Roman sling-shot hoard and her involvement with the discover (sic) of The Galloway Hoard are right up there. However one of her best finds was her now-husband, Derek, who she discovered while out detecting in a field. Combining detecting with her background in teaching, Sharon has developed and delivered educational programmes around the experience of detecting, to both school children and PTSD veterans. She passionately believes detecting is a positive and beneficial experience for all and is dedicated to sharing this with everyone she can.