St Vigeans Pictish and Mediaeval Stone Museum

A fascinating and very important collection of over 30 Pictish carved stones housed in a cottage in the charming village of St Vigeans. Access can be arranged by phoning 01241 878 756.

The newly refurbished museum gives overdue recognition to the significance of the carvings. ‘The stones are among the last and very finest expressions of Pictish art, which makes them tremendously important – part of our national collection of the earliest art of Scotland. 

The quality of carving on some of the stones is as good as anything in Western Europe at that time. These included the Drosten Stone, a cross-slab dating from the early 800s and inscribed in both Latin and Pictish, carved on one side with a cross and on the other with figures and symbols; a house shrine; and a fragment of a huge freestanding cross. 

As well as their historical significance, there is much to intrigue visitors in the carvings, such as devilish imps, saintly figures and bizarre beasts. There are also vivid depictions of the everyday life of the Picts. They illustrate the reality of their world: details of contemporary costumes, riding equipment, and a crossbow man.

Historic Scotland cares for the very best of Scotland’s heritage, inspiring learning through our free educational visits scheme for schools, colleges, universities and other qualifying groups.