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Meigle is a small village in Angus, Scotland. In the late 19th century a local landowner, worried that the elements were eroding away the carvings on the soft sandstone collected nearly 30 stones and put them in a small museum. The stones at nearby Aberlemno show what damage the weather can do - their carvings are very eroded.
Most stones have carvings on at least 2 faces (some also have carvings on the sides) usually a christian symbol on one large side, and pictures of Pictish nobles or mythical beasts on the other. The intricate detail is marvellous! They are thought to date back to the 8th century mainly, but some also show later Norse influences.
The Picts dominated eastern Scotland for centuries in the Iron Age: they seem to have merged with the Gaels and formed part of the Kingdom of the Scots by the late 10th Century.
The decoration is very rich - swirling beasts, intricate knots, strange (undecoded) symbols - have a look and go back to a time we can barely understand.....
Written Jul 18, 2011
Address: Meigle, Angus, Scotland
Website: Historic Scotland
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The village of Meigle is justly proud of its impressive collection of ancient stones, all of which were found in the vicinity and represent one of the finest collections of Pictish monuments in the country. There are many legends associated with these ancient stones but perhaps the most romantic is that of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Arthur's Stone was found on the estate of Arthurstone (from which the estate took its name). Unfortunately, this stone was utilised during the building of Arthurbank farm in 1791. Another very large stone of considerable historical interest is the MacBeth Stone, which was found at Belmont Castle.
The Museum at displays 26 carved stones dating from the late eighth to the late tenth centuries. Making up one of the most important collections of early medieval sculpture in Western Europe, they are all that survives of a centre of Pictish wealth and patronage.
In the care of Historic Scotland - Admission Charge £2.50
Written Jun 27, 2006
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Could not resist taking a picture of this strange gravestone in the graveyard ot the Parish Church. Click on photo for more detail.
Written Jun 27, 2006
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At the heart of village life, the Parish church is the only surviving church in the village. if you turn up on a Saturday in summer you will no doubt encounter a Scottish wedding as we did.
Written Jun 27, 2006
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At the heart of village life, the Parish church is the only surviving church in the village. if you turn up on a Saturday in summer you will no doubt encounter...
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In the lush and fertile valley of Strathmore, Meigle is situated at the extreme eastern borders of Perthshire, Scotland, bounded by the rivers Isla and Dean and by the Sidlaw Hills and the mighty...
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