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Strathmore, Meigle and Coupar Angus
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  5. Strathmore, Coupar Angus and Meigle

The village of Meigle lies on the south-east edge of Perthshire and is believed by many to have once been an important Pictish centre.

One of the village’s foremost attractions is its Sculptured Stone Museum, based in the former village schoolhouse, which is has an impressive collection of Pictish carved stones dating from the late 8th century to the late 10th century on display.

There are various interpretations of the different images on the stones, with some thinking that the impressive stone with the carving of a woman surrounded by four lions could be depicting the Biblical Daniel in the lions’ den. Others still believe it to be a representation of King Arthur’s wife Guinevere, who is thought to have died when devoured by wild beasts, perhaps at nearby Barry Hill on the outskirts of Alyth. The fascinating symbolism nonetheless provides an insight into the skills of these long-vanished tribes.

Meigle is only 11 miles from Dundee and within easy distance of the royal castle of Glamis, home to the late Queen Mother in her childhood and the ancestral seat of the Earls of Strathmore for six centuries. Glamis Castle holds a number of events throughout the year, including the Scottish Transport Extravaganza, musical evenings, workshops and exhibitions, and festive events such as Christmas markets and grottos. And the castle is also of course famous for being the home of Macbeth in Shakespeare’s ‘Scottish play’.

The award-winning Gin Bothy Experience is also close by in the pretty Angus village of Glamis and well worth a visit, whether for tastings or afternoon gin teas or just to purchase a hand-crafted locally produced gift in the shop.

Coupar Angus – known as the jewel of Strathmore – sits in the well-tended fields of Strathmore near the River Isla, with the Sidlaw Hills to the south and the main Highland massif to the north.

Originally in Angus, it wasn’t until the 19th century that it became part of Perthshire. Coupar Angus was once an important place of trade through its Abbey – once one of the richest in Scotland – though little of this monastic settlement remains today. In 1607 the town became a ‘burgh of barony’ – a community with trading rights. The town’s Tolbooth, the administrative centre of the old burgh, is still of note.

Coupar Angus has a wonderful park on the outskirts of the town with excellent facilities for children of all ages, including a skate park. There is also a community woodland area looking out over the River Isla, and the town is renowned for its fantastic displays of snowdrops every spring. 

Visit Glenisla