Searching for the Pictish Palace
Documentary sources have highlighted Forteviot as a major Pictish royal centre from at least the mid 9th century AD. Archaeologically, the collection of sculptured crosses within the area of Forteviot, including the unique Forteviot carved stone arch, all point to the presence here of a significant Pictish centre. The discovery and excavation of this centre will be important as it would be the first open, undefended royal site which we know of in Scotland, marking a change in practice from the previous hill-top forts such as Dunadd, Dunollie and Edinburgh. Between 2006 and 2008, geophysical survey and test pitting have been carried out in and around the village of Forteviot looking for traces of this early centre as well as recording the development of the village and the church throughout the medieval period.
