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St Vigeans Sculptured Stones Museum

St Vigeans, Arbroath, Angus
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View the 38 Pictish stones found in St Vigeans, a sleepy village that was once the centre of a royal estate and of huge religious importance.

See in a single place the 38 Pictish stones found in this Angus village. St Vigeans was likely an important Pictish religious centre, judging by the number and quality of the Pictish Christian carvings.

The carved stones were dotted in and around the village church, which sits on a natural mound where a Pictish church or monastery may have once stood. Some stones were even incorporated into the walls of the late medieval church – and a few remain in place.

While exploring the museum, look for the Latin, Pictish and Old Irish words on the Drosten Stone – a mighty 1.75 metres tall, yet carved with great delicacy. View the macabre carving of a man taking blood from a bull on the savagely re-cut but still impressive St Vigeans 7. Look for St Vigeans 8, 9 and 13 – one of the carved grave-covers shows a man consumed by beasts, perhaps warning of Hell.

A large, upright Pictish cross‑slab carved with interlace patterns and symbol designs. Other carved stones and interpretation panels fill the museum room around it.
Collection of carved Pictish stone fragments displayed on wooden shelves and stands, including decorated blocks and a tall slab with zig‑zag patterns. The exhibit label titled “Decline and Renewal” is mounted on the wall behind.
Panel titled “Crosses” with text about Pictish cross‑slabs, accompanied by two standing cross‑slabs carved with interlace patterns. Smaller interpretation boards are positioned beside the stones.
Multiple carved stone fragments displayed on raised wooden platforms, including incised patterns and partial symbol carvings.

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