On Scottish Island, Mystery, Egyptian Treasure?

Or, say locals, it could be 'a wee bit of BS'
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 23, 2010 7:59 AM CDT
On Scottish Island, Mystery, Egyptian Treasure?
Israeli-British illusionist Uri Geller poses during the 24th MIPCOM in Cannes, southeastern France, Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008.   (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau)

Famous spoon-bending paranormalist Uri Geller claims the Scottish island he bought for $46,000 contains 3,500-year-old Egyptian treasure. Locals say, “Tosh.” Geller, who famously irritated Scots in 1996 by claiming he used his telekinetic powers to cause Scotland to lose to England in a soccer match, says he was “drawn to” the island for mysterious reasons, and has psychically detected the ancient artifacts … which he plans to excavate.

There have been stories of Scotland’s ties to Egypt since the 15th century (supposedly, King Tut’s half-sister, Princess Scota, founded the country), but a historian says it’s nonsense that was simply dreamed up to give Scotland an exciting identity. “Before Uri came along I don't think anybody had ever heard of all this Egyptian stuff,” one local tells the Wall Street Journal. Even so, his stories have convinced some boat operators to offer tours around the island. Says one, “A wee bit of bullshit doesn’t hurt anybody.”
(More Uri Geller stories.)

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