Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum

About the museum

Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum displays a collection of 26 carved stones that survive from a power centre of the Picts, dating from the late 8th to the late 10th century. The collection is regarded as one of the most important groups of early medieval sculpture in Western Europe. Meigle was a royal centre: a royal estate at Migdele is mentioned in the time of King Ferat (839 to 842), shortly before Kenneth Mac Alpin became king of both the Picts and the Scots.

The stones were found around the churchyard, where there has probably been a church for more than a thousand years, and many of them may have marked the graves of the warrior elite. The museum is a former village schoolhouse that backs onto the graveyard. It shows cross-slabs, recumbent gravestones, a hogback stone and rare architectural fragments that hint at a large and sophisticated Pictish church.

The oldest stone is the 8th-century cross-slab Meigle 1, which carries Pictish symbols, horsemen and animals. The great cross-slab Meigle 2 is 2.5 metres high and shows Daniel in the lions' den. Local tradition links it to the grave of Queen Guinevere, who was said to have been held captive on nearby Berry Hill. Meigle 26 is a grave marker with unusual carvings of animals, birds, horsemen and naked figures. The museum is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland.

Highlights

• 26 Pictish carved stones from the late 8th to late 10th century
• Meigle 2, a 2.5 m cross-slab with Daniel in the lions' den
• Meigle 1, the oldest cross-slab, with Pictish symbols
• Meigle 26, a grave marker with animals and horsemen
• Architectural fragments of the Pictish church

Permanent exhibition

• Pictish sculptured stones – Twenty-six carved stones from Meigle, including cross-slabs, recumbent gravestones, a hogback stone and fragments of the Pictish church.

Operated by

Historic Environment Scotland

Admission & discounts

Prices are for tickets booked online in advance (adult £7.50, concession £6.00, child £4.50); at the site they are £8.50, £6.80 and £5.00. Historic Environment Scotland members enter free, Explorer Pass holders enter with a valid pass, and members of English Heritage, Cadw or Manx National Heritage receive free or discounted entry. Up to two carers accompanying a visitor with a disability enter free per booking.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is on one level but has a raised threshold at its entrance and narrow spaces between displays. It is about 10 m from the road along a fine gravel path, with five concrete steps and a handrail to the entrance. The alternative route follows the pavement up a steep slope and then a path through the graveyard to a timber ramp. The nearest adapted toilet is 6.5 miles away at a supermarket on Welton Road (postcode PH10 6NQ). Assistance dogs are welcome; other dogs are not allowed in the museum.

Kids & families

• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

A fact-finding quiz for children and families is offered in the museum.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on Dundee Road in the centre of Meigle, close to Meigle Church.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

There is a small shop and toilets on site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit