Scottish Archaeology Month 2012 - Events in the Angus region

Scottish Archaeology Month events in the Angus region - September 2012.

Scottish Archaeology Month events, Angus region, September 2012

The Battle for his conscience, 22 August 2012; Montrose Museum & Art Gallery

Talk by Malcolm McVittie, 1st Marquis of Montrose Society, complementing exhibition ‘To Win or Lose It All’ commemorating the quatercentenary of birth of James Graham 1st Marquis of Montrose 1612-1650. Tel: 01674 673232.

A Military Assessment, 19 September; Montrose Museum & Art Gallery

Talk by Malcolm McVittie, 1st Marquis of Montrose Society, complementing exhibition ‘To Win or Lose It All’ commemorating the quatercentenary of birth of James Graham 1st Marquis of Montrose 1612-1650. Tel: 01674 673232.

Angus Landscape Survey Group, 8 September, 10am to 4.30pm; Brechin Auditorium

Talks and visits concerned with heritage gardens and designed landscapes, how they are recorded, interpreted, conserved – and sometimes lost. Speakers include Marilyn Brown of RCAHMS and Landscape Architect, Vanessa Stevens.
 
£10 including buffet lunch, tea and coffee. For details, tel: 01575 560259.

Arbroath Historic Kirkyards Tour, 13 September, 10.30am; Meet outside Arbroath Abbey Visitor Centre

Places are FREE but nos. are limited. Each tour will last about an hour. Take a closer look at the symbols on the gravestones in Arbroath Abbey and meet some of the characters buried there.  At the end of the tour you will be able to tell a death's head from an angel of resurrection. For details, tel: 01307 473265.

Arbroath Heritage Walk, 10 September, 6pm; meet at Arbroath Library

A walk around Arbroath taking in historic points of interest. Tel: 01241 435605.

Brechin: Pictavia Visitor Centre, 8 and 9 September; Pictavia Visitor Centre, Brechin

At Pictavia Visitor Centre you can discover the story of Scotland’s ancient Pictish tribes, who lived around two thousand years ago. The Romans called them the Picti - 'painted people' and it is thought they coloured their bodies with bright paints and dyes.  The Picts left a fascinating legacy; magnificent standing stones which have survived to the present day, intricately carved, depicting animals, battle scenes, references to everyday life and mysterious symbols. Tel: 01356 626241.

Frae the brink tae the trow, 12 to 14 September, 2pm

A local historian with a particular interest in Glamis and the watermills in Angus, will lead a short guided walking tour of the village, ending in a visit to the newly restored Lera mill building. Learn about the use of waterpower over the years, including the importance of the corn mills of Angus, to the present day use of turbines to produce the electricity, which powers up to 60 houses. The main attraction is a unique opportunity to see the largest waterwheel in Angus (18 feet diameter) in action. To book, tel: 01575 572757.

Long Loch Ago: Forfar Loch, 9 September, Ranger Centre, Forfar Loch

Take a trip back in time on a walk around Forfar Loch with the Countryside Ranger and discover how the land has changed over the centuries whilst sharing your memories over a cup of tea and a biscuit.  The Rangers are keen to source old pictures of Forfar Loch and the surrounding land. Tel: 01307 461118.

Forfar: The Meffan, 8 September to 6 October; 20 West High Street, Forfar

he building is dated 1896 by Tait Conner and Henry Mitchell (Glasgow) and has a category B listing. It is a museum and art gallery which houses exhibitions and works and also has a dedicated display of Pictish stones. Five cross-slabs, originally discovered in 1797 are on display as well as a further 12 fragments which were excavated in 1995. A fine Art graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, Louise Ritchie has exhibited widely throughout the UK and Europe. Tel: 01307 476482.

Kirriemuir, a walk in the past, 12 September; Glen Doll Ranger Base, Glen Cova

Explore the untamed beauty of Glen Doll by following in the footsteps of the anicent Caterans.  Discover more about the history of Jock's Road and its importance as a drove road and right of way. Stout shoes and warm/waterproof clothing required. Tel: 01575 550233.

Pictish workshop for children, 8 September, 2pm; Gateway to the Glens Museum, Kirriemuir

Come along and learn about the Picts - the true ancestors of the Scottish nation, in a fun workshop session, where you will be able to make your own pictish stone, learn to write your name in pict language and find pictures of the pictish stones hidden in the museum. Booking Essential. Phone 01575 575479 to book.

Historic kirkyards tour, 13 September; Monikie Kirkyard, 2pm

Monikie Kirkyard has some unusual character gravestones showing merchants at their counting table, a blacksmith at work and weavers at their loom. Each tour will take about an hour. To book a place contact 01307 468644.

Montrose Heritage Walk, 8 September, 10am

A guided tour of the Montrose High Street, featuring its architecture and history with access to some of its fantastic closes. This is led by Sandy Munro of The Montrose Society. Walking footwear and waterproofs if necessary. Duration 1.5hours. Further info by telephoning 01674 660200 or 07786 076590.

Montrose & the Covenant, 18 September, 2pm; Montrose Museum

Talks and demonstration on the Covenant and Scottish Revolution, James Graham’s relationship with Royalist and Gordon, Marquis of Huntly and The Scot’s soldier and his weapons. Tel: 01674 673232.

Soldiers of the Marquis of Montrose, 1 September, 11am, Montrose Museum

Learn about one of Scotland’s most famous Generals! Meet his soldiers and see their weapons. Have the chance to dress up as a soldier. For accompanied children age 8 to 12. Tel: 01674 673232.

For the full Scottish Archaeology Month 2012 programme, click here.

For all the latest Scottish archaeology events and Scottish archaeology news, see each issue of History Scotland.

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