Who were the Picts, the people who lived in Scotland around 300-900 CE? Remarkable standing stones are their main legacy - but did they perhaps leave behind a manuscript as well? Join noted scholar Dr Victoria Thompson Whitworth as she shares her work on links between the Picts and the Book of Kells - one of Christianity's most important medieval documents.
In the 8th century, a large monastery was at the site of St Colman’s Church in Portmahomack, a village north of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. Archaeological digs show that the monastery's monks had the tools, techniques and skills to make manuscripts - and Dr Thompson Whitworth argues that the Book of Kells might well have been one of the texts produced there. In this talk, she will explore the origins of the Book of Kells and its connections to Portmahomack and the Pictish world. At the end of her talk she will be joined by Master Craftsman Thomas Keyes whose artwork uses the same materials and techniques that the monks used. They will discuss the convergence of their research findings that contribute to better understanding of the Book of Kells.
This is a hybrid event, which will be held in person at Edinburgh’s Augustine United Church and live-streamed online. Each mode of attendance has its own ticket - please make sure to book the correct one.
The event is hosted by the Tarbat Discovery Centre, a museum, learning and activity centre that preserves and promotes the heritage of the Tarbat peninsula in the far north of Scotland. The Tarbat Discovery Centre is on the grounds of the ancient church of St. Colman, displaying works of art created in stone by the Picts more than 1,200 years ago. These treasures, discovered during a 1990s archaeological dig, include fragments of majestic cross-slabs carved skilfully with elaborate geometric patterns, interwoven with magnificent animals and people. The Centre displays Pict and Early Medieval tools, artefacts and moulds used in the 8th century to create religious masterpieces, such as chalices and reliquaries in gold, silver, enamel and glass.
Thank you to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting this event.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Join the Costume Society Scotland at Augustine United Church on Monday 13th April and explore the world of Coats and find out about their roots at the Ferguslie mills!
READ MOREExplore the latest evidence for Scotland’s ice age people, along with their continental connections, the landscapes they encountered, and the fearsome beasts they shared their world with.
READ MOREEdinburgh Rep Company presents Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare's classic comedy about love, betrayal and lots of sass, at the St Augustine United Church in April!
READ MORE
Explore a different theme each week on Friday afternoons, during school term-time, with our Learning team at the National Museum of Scotland.
READ MORE
Each month in the beautiful and historic Abbey Strand Centre, Community Connections will explore themes from across the Royal Collection and the history of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
READ MORE
Join Fiona Johnston, audio describer, as she describes various artwork and objects from the Royal Collection at the Palace of Holyroodhouse!
READ MORE
A lecture about spiritual healing and help through the teaching of Bruno Groening is taking place at The Open Door Community Centre, Edinburgh on various dates throughout the year.
READ MORE
Tribe Talks bring together bright minds and engaging topics to spark inspiration, encourage meaningful conversations, and help the community learn, grow, and do better together!
READ MORE
Many authors have been inspired to pick up their pen to write about the Palace of Holyroodhouse... the Palace Page Turners sessions explore these literary works followed by a hearty discussion!
READ MORE
Secretary of State. Traveller. TV superstar. The inimitable Michael Portillo joins us live on stage to share funny, insightful, and poignant stories from his extraordinarily rich and varied life.
READ MORE
Join foraging guide Tamara Colchester for a fun spring foraging walk around Arthur's Seat and discover tasty wild treats in Edinburgh!
READ MORE
Join Scottish Storytelling Centre on Monday 16th March for a talk and book signing with Alhierd Bacharevič and Julia Cimafiejeva, who will discuss the use of Belarusian language as defiance!
READ MORE