A dramatic retelling of “Scotland’s first battle” will take place in Angus next month.
The Battle of Nechtansmere or Dun Nechtain helped define a country, with hundreds of scholars having pored over its 1,300-year-old mysteries.
Since the 19th Century it has been thought the battle in 685AD was fought around Dunnichen Hill in Angus but Historic Scotland told disappointed local historians it could not find enough evidence to legally protect the site in 2012.
But the Battle Stone in Aberlemno churchyard is still regarded as one of the most valuable relics about the battle.
Historian Norman Atkinson will take an audience to “follow in the footsteps of ancient kings” and explore Pictish heritage at the village hall on May 17.
Isabelle Davies, one of the organisers, said the stone is reputed to portray events at the battle that defined Pictish Scotland.
She added: “Our interpretation will coincide with the 1,330th anniversary of the battle, on May 20 685.”
There is a pretty stiff walk of at least two hours involved and appropriate clothes and footwear must be worn.
Numbers are limited for reasons of safety, to minimise impact on a fragile environment and to give people the opportunity to hear and see. Visit www.aberlemno.org or call Paul on 01307 830308 or 07936047217 to register.
Photo by Angus Pictures