LASER TECHNOLOGY is being used to conserve a renowned collection of Pictish carved stones in readiness for display in an improved Angus museum.

Historic Scotland has been carrying out a care and conservation programme on the St Vigeans stones during a major upgrade of their museum on the outskirts of Arbroath.

Fresh academic research into the 38 stones and fragments suggests the small village of St Vigeans was once home to an important royal monastery.

Senior conservator Stephen Gordon said, “The improvements to the museum gave us an excellent opportunity to bring the stones to Edinburgh, where we have the specialist staff and equipment to undertake some thorough conservation treatment and prepare new mounts.

“This has included using special laser techniques that are superb for removing dirt or other unwanted materials without affecting the stones themselves.

“Earlier efforts at conservation dating back to the 1960s, carried out using the best techniques of the time, have now reached the end of their life. This project gives us the opportunity to remove these earlier repairs and use more modern and appropriate treatments and mounting methods.”

The collection includes the Drosten Stone, a cross slab with ornate cross and fantastic beasts, plus a rare Latin and Pictish inscription which might have commemorated King Uoret, who died around 842AD.

The stones date from the decades before 843AD, when the Pictish kingdom was united with Gaelic Dalriada under one monarch, leading to the birth of Scotland.

Senior archaeologist Peter Yeoman said, “The stones are among the last and very finest expressions of Pictish art, which makes them tremendously important.

“These large stone crosses would originally have been set up as monuments, boundary markers and gravestones on the church hill at St Vigeans.

“We have known for some time that the area was an important royal centre, but the latest thinking is that the high quality carvings, with scriptural images, indicate there was not just a church but an important monastery under royal patronage at St Vigeans.

“It may also have been a significant pilgrimage centre, perhaps due to the presence of relics of the Irish Saint Fechin, from who the village took its name.”

It is hoped the stones will be returned by the end of this year, with the new-look museum reopening in time for Easter next year.

District architect Graeme Bell said, “The refurbishment will provide more space and mean people can move round the stones and look at them from every angle.

“We are also creating new facilities so a member of staff can be based at the museum. This means it can be open for regular hours as visitors will no longer have to collect the keys from Arbroath abbey.”

The museum will be open on a seasonal basis and, in common with other staffed Historic Scotland sites, an entry fee will be charged to help cover costs.