Scotland: In the Footsteps of the Picts
7th Aug 2026
Key Highlights
- Pictish jewellery and sculpture in the National Museum of Scotland
- Magnificent Pictish stones at Aberlemno
- Pictish stone carving demonstration
- Specially-arranged tour of East Lomond Hillfort
Summary
Living beyond the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, the people of northern Scotland in the Dark Ages were known as the Picts – a name given by the Romans meaning the ‘painted - tattooed ones'. They were renowned as one of the most warlike of the Celtic barbarian tribes of Europe, successfully attacking the Roman army, and yet few of their homes or forts have ever been found. They did however leave behind some of the finest carved stones and jewellery from anywhere in early medieval Europe, before their culture disappeared around 900AD.
During this tour we will travel through the heartland of the southern Picts in Perthshire and Angus, tracking down these elusive people and coming face-to-face with them through the clues of their everyday life as seen in the incredible artistry of their monumental stone sculpture. We’ll explore a newly excavated fortress of the Pictish kings, and view their exquisite jewellery and symbols of power in important museum collections in Edinburgh and Perth – with unique access to new discoveries.
What's included
- Accommodation
- Services of an expert tour manager
- Comfortable coach travel throughout
- Meals - as per the itinerary
- All visits as outlined in the itinerary
Meet your tour manager
Kelly Kilpatrick
Dr Kelly Kilpatrick is an archaeologist, Celticist, and author who specialises in the ancient and early medieval cultures of Britain and Ireland. She has a long-standing interest in the inscriptions and artwork of the Picts and publishes and presents frequently on these topics. She is director of a satellite and aerial archaeology project focusing on the Isle of Tiree, a co-director of excavations at Old Kilmadock near Doune, and was formerly a Vice President of the Pictish Arts Society. She currently works for PCAS Archaeology and has previously worked at the Universities of Nottingham, Oxford, Glasgow, Oxford, and NUI Galway.
Day by Day Itinerary
We depart from our pick-up points in Glasgow and Edinburgh and transfer to our first visit, the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street, Edinburgh (where you may also join the tour). Here we we enjoy a visit to their collection of the Pictish jewellery and sculpture held here, which includes the St Ninian’s Isle Treasure, which was discovered in Shetland in 1958 and is the only Scottish hoard of fine metalwork of this date to survive in its entirety.
Meals includedDinner
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| To be advised | 00:00 | 00:00 |
| Glasgow - Bus stop on North Hanover Street, opposite Queens Street Station | 10:00 | 18:45 |
| Edinburgh - Outside Reception of the Delta by Marriott Hotel, Glasgow Road | 11:15 | 17:30 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
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