St Vigeans Museum

St Vigeans Sculptured Stones Museum is located in the village of St Vigeans, just to the north of Arbroath  Angus, Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Obar Bhrothaig, Aonghas, Alba). This museum houses an outstanding collection of  some 38 Pictish stones found in St Vigeans. The carved stones were found in and around the village church. There was an important religious monastery founded here in the 8th century. The present-day St Vigeans Church was built in the 12th century, on a 40-foot mound. The name St Vigeans is derived from Vigeanus, a Latinised form of the Old Irish name Féichín. Saint Feichin was a 7th century Irish Saint who died in 665 AD.

The stones are noted as being amongst the very finest examples of Pictish art and includes stonework dating from the 8th-12th centuries. Included in the collection is the Drosten Stone a carved cross slab with Latin and Pictish inscription dating from before 843 AD. The museum is housed in converted old adjoining cottages in the village and is managed by Historic Environment Scotland - Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba. St Vigeans Sculptured Stones Museum is usually open by appointment only. To arrange a visit, call 01241 878 756.

Image: St Vigeans Sculptured Stone Museum image courtesy of Visit Scotland.

Links: Historic Environment Scotland - Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba St Vigeans Sculptured Stones Museum and also the Visit Scotland St Vigeans Sculptured Stone Museum webpage.