Local History

Angus is steeped in history -  feel the past come to life at Arbroath Abbey or Glamis Castle. Get hands-on with Pictish history at Aberlemno  and the Pictavia visitor centre in the Pictish heartland of Brechin, or at St Vigeans Pictish and Mediaeval Stone Museum.

Land of the Picts
Angus's superb ancient carved stones give us tantalising glimpses into this ancient people, and the many ethnic groups who have lived here. The many ancient battles that have been fought over the bountiful land of Angus have left their mark, too.

Museums, Libraries and Archaeological Sites  
There are many sites of historical interest, archaeological sites and historic buildings in Angus that reach out and touch the past. Museums, libraries and medieval buildings all come together to tell their story, to tell our story.

The Stone of Destiny
The story of the Stone of Destiny, which for centuries played a crucial role in the coronation of Scots and British monarchs, sums up the incredible complexity that makes up Angus history, and the integral part it has played in the development of Scotland.

The Stone of Destiny is reputed to have been the block upon which Jacob rested his head in Genesis 28:11. Today, it resides at Scone Palace, near Perth. Since the sixth century, when Fergus 1 became King of Dalriada (the ancient name for Scotland) and brought the Stone with him from Ireland, the kings and queens of Scots, and later of England as well, have stood upon the stone at their coronation.

In 1951, a group of Scots patriots 'stole' (perhaps they would say they rescued and returned) the Stone from Westminster Abbey and brought it back to Scotland.

After several months, it was found lying on the High Altar of Arbroath Abbey, and was returned to England. In 1996, however, the stone was returned to Scotland, and is now on display in Edinburgh Castle - although it is to be returned to Westminster Abbey, in the event of a coronation.