If you would like to register to join in the hunt all you need to do click the 'Join the Hunt' link below and you will be taken to the registration page. It is completely free to join - just fill in the necessary details, choose a username and password - once that has been done you are in the Hunt.
In essence the Hunt is really very easy. Read the texts, look at the pictures and solve the puzzle. Simple ..... or is it ? You won't need a degree in mathematics or to have worked for MI5 to solve it. With a bit of thought the burial site will become clear and if you are the first to reach it, then the prize is yours. By our estimation, a 13-year-old could find the solution.
The main text is divided into 4 sections which will be revealed progressively over coming weeks, but by the end of the third section it will be possible to have worked out the general area in which the prize is buried.
If you can work that part out you will be many steps closer to finding the location. All the main clues appear in the text, but in order to help - or perhaps, sometimes to hinder - there will be an evolving painting that also contains clues.
Beware! There are numerous red herrings left in your way - some are deliberate, but inevitably some will be created in your own mind.
All we can say is that the bejeweled mouse is buried somewhere in Scotland and if you live in the UK or Ireland, or in continental Europe, you can always drive to the location and dig a wee hole.
Even if you live further away, you can back your hunch, hop on a flight and buy a spade on arrival! At the very least, you will see a beautiful country, and if you're right, nothing could beat the thrill of digging up the treasure yourself.
However, if there are compelling reasons why you cannot travel to the site, you can submit them and your solution to us - but once only. If we are convinced, and your solution is correct, we will send someone out on your behalf to claim the prize. But remember, it is the first to dig the mouse up that wins the prize, and so sending us the correct solution by email or letter may not win you the prize if someone pips us to the spot.
Please bear in mind that the mouse is not buried in public or private gardens or grounds surrounding a public or private building. If you do decide to start excavating your way across Scotland you will have to shoulder the responsibility if you are digging someone's garden up. Of course if it is in a vegetable patch, the owner may even be quite happy, but we wouldn't bank on it.
Beware! There are numerous red herrings left in your way - some are deliberate, but inevitably some will be created in your own mind.
All we can say is that the bejeweled mouse is buried somewhere in Scotland and if you live in the UK or Ireland, or in continental Europe, you can always drive to the location and dig a wee hole.
Even if you live further away, you can back your hunch, hop on a flight and buy a spade on arrival! At the very least, you will see a beautiful country, and if you're right, nothing could beat the thrill of digging up the treasure yourself.
However, if there are compelling reasons why you cannot travel to the site, you can submit them and your solution to us - but once only. If we are convinced, and your solution is correct, we will send someone out on your behalf to claim the prize. But remember, it is the first to dig the mouse up that wins the prize, and so sending us the correct solution by email or letter may not win you the prize if someone pips us to the spot.
Please bear in mind that the mouse is not buried in public or private gardens or grounds surrounding a public or private building. If you do decide to start excavating your way across Scotland you will have to shoulder the responsibility if you are digging someone's garden up. Of course if it is in a vegetable patch, the owner may even be quite happy, but we wouldn't bank on it.
