Replica Terracotta Warriors gifted to Scotland by China

China has gifted two replica Terracotta Warriors to Scotland.

The figures are on display at Stirling Castle as part of Scotland's Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

Historic Environment Scotland, the body in charge of protecting and promoting historic environment, said the copies were gifted to the nation by Beijing Hua Xia Yan International Culture and Creative Company.

The gift, made using traditional materials and techniques, was formally accepted by International Development Minister Alasdair Allan on behalf of the Scottish public.

"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," Allan said. "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."

Visitors can see the warriors at the China Culture and Craft exhibition, which will run until Sept 29.

The exhibits include around 100 Chinese artisan craft objects, made in traditional materials and using traditional techniques. Some of them will be contemporary in design and material combined with traditional style, employing innovative craftsmanship.

As part of activities in the Scottish Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, Historic Environment Scotland 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 replicas to Stirling.

David Mitchell, director at the Engine Shed, a center for conservation established by Historic Environment Scotland, said: "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."

Historic Environment Scotland signed an international agreement earlier this year with the University of Stirling and the Palace Museum in Beijing to establish international research collaborations for heritage and conservation at the university.

"We are tremendously privileged these replicas have been made for us using the same handcrafting techniques as the originals," said Richard Oram, dean of arts and humanities at the University of Stirling.

More than 8,000 life-sized Terracotta Warriors have been unearthed since they were discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

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

Next year, Liverpool's World Museum will host some of the famous Chinese figures as part of a major exhibition spanning almost 1,000 years of China's history.