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A number of Iron Age tribes lived in Northern Scotland around two thousand years ago. These tribes gradually merged and were known as the Picti, the Picts, by AD 297. The Land of the Picts was united with the Kingdom of the Scots creating the foundations of modern day Scotland.
The Battle of Dunnichen was a turning point for the Picts. They lived in north Scotland. Their neighbours to the south were the Northumbrians or Angles. The Angles were a powerful tribe who had established the kingdom of Bernicia, and they sought to extend their territory. They advanced northwards during the 7th century and successfully claimed the Lothians, soon to set their sights on the kingdom of Pictavia.
The Battle happened in the spring of 685 when the Northumbrian King, Egfrith, decided to battle with the Picts and claim their territory. But the Picts were ready and waiting, and through the use of cunning surprise tactics, succeeded in defeating the threat.
The Picts won a great victory at the Battle of Dunnichen and by protecting their territory, created the foundations for the Scotland we know today. The Picts left a record of the battle. An 8th Century carved stone in the churchyard at Aberlemno in Angus tells the story of the battle.
Stone circles, cairns, and monoliths were all created by the predecessors of the Picts. But how they carved them was radically original. They fashioned monolithic standing stones and decorated them with animals, objects and abstract designs such as had never been seen before.
The Country Park admission prices includes a free visit to the Pictavia Visitor Centre, Pictish Face Painting and Art Attack, Dragons Lair play area, Miniature railway, lake and wetland area, and model farm. You may walk around the animal paddocks and through the farm steading where you can see a static display of vintage farm implements.
Full disabled access, assisted access to the Country Park, Castle Centre gift shop, garden centre and restaurant.
Opening TimesMonday to Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10.30am - 5pm
Prices Adult £3.25 Child/elderly/concession £2.25 Child under 5 Free Family, 2 adults & 3 children £10
PictaviaBy Brechin Castle CentreBrechin DD9 6RLTelephone - 01356 626813
E mail - stewarte@angus.gov.uk
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