Meigle Travel Guide - Scotland

Meigle is a scenic and historic village in Scotland, located in Strathmore, Perth and Kinross. Although there are numerous other lovely villages located relatively close, it is Meigle that attracts the most attention thanks in large part to the tremendously rich history of the area.

The Pictish era comes alive in Meigle

In the early part of the Middle Ages, between the 6^th century and the 9th century, a loose confederation of tribes now known as the Picts inhabited the area in and around Meigle. The remnants of these tribes remain in the form of Pictish Stones, a series of large carved stones depicting a range of scenes and symbols that scholars don't completely understand in many cases. Because Meigle and the surrounding area are at the centre of Pictish history you can find many wonderful ways to learn about them and actually see some of them in person when you visit Meigle.

The best place for seeing and experiencing these ancient stones is at the Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum. There you can see one of Europe's best collections of stones and carvings, including over thirty of the famous Pictish Stones and a range of other amazing carvings from the 8^th through 10^th centuries. It is especially appropriate for the museum to be located in Meigle because the site of the current village is thought to have also been the site of one of the most important Pictish monasteries of the time.

It's Scotland so there must be castles

Scotland is famous for its huge number of castles, both ancient ruins as well as intact, and Meigle is home to one of the most interesting of these. Belmont Castle dates back to the 15^th century and was originally the castle home of a series of Bishops of Dunkeld. In more recent history it was home to Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1905 to 1908.

A number of other smaller settlements with rich histories are located near Meigle, including Kinloch, Kirkinch, and Balkeerie. Many visitors find it helpful to stay in Meigle and plan day-long excursions to visit some of these other places, returning to Meigle at the end of each day of sightseeing. It's a good way to enjoy Meigle itself while also exploring the surrounding area.