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Tarbat Discovery Centre

Explore the rich Pictish heritage and medieval mysteries of the Tarbat Peninsula at this unique museum set within an ancient Highland church.

4.7

Located in the Highland village of Portmahomack, the Tarbat Discovery Centre is a museum and activity hub dedicated to the Pictish heritage of the Tarbat Peninsula. It showcases ancient Pictish stone carvings, medieval artifacts, and evidence of a unique vellum workshop, all set within the historic Tarbat Old Parish Church. Visitors can explore a rare 14th-century crypt and learn about the area's rich religious and cultural history.

A brief summary to Tarbat Discovery Centre

  • Tarbatness Rd, Tain, Portmahomack, IV20 1YA, GB
  • +441862871351
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 1 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit between April and October for regular opening hours from 10 am to 4 pm, Monday to Saturday, with Sunday openings from 1 pm to 4 pm.
  • Book group visits or school trips in advance to enjoy tailored educational experiences and activities.
  • Explore the archaeology pit to try your hand at uncovering replica Pictish artifacts.
  • Take time to appreciate the 14th-century crypt and the unique six-headed burial exhibit.
  • Combine your visit with other Pictish sites on the Highland Pictish Trail for a comprehensive cultural journey.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Tain town centre takes approximately 20 minutes via the A9 and A836 roads. On-site parking is available free of charge, but spaces are limited during peak season.

  • Bus

    Local bus services run from Tain to Portmahomack several times daily, with a journey time of around 30 to 40 minutes. Check current timetables as frequency varies seasonally; the stop is a short walk from the centre.

  • Walking

    For visitors staying in Portmahomack village, the centre is accessible via a gentle 10-minute walk along paved paths, suitable for most mobility levels.

Tarbat Discovery Centre location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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A Window into Pictish Art and Culture

The Tarbat Discovery Centre is situated on the grounds of the ancient Tarbat Old Parish Church in Portmahomack, Easter Ross. This museum is internationally significant for its collection of Pictish stone carvings, including intricately carved cross-slabs adorned with geometric patterns, animals, and human figures. These works of art date back over 1,200 years and were uncovered during extensive archaeological excavations between 1994 and 2007. The centre also displays tools and moulds used by Pictish monks in the 8th century to create religious masterpieces such as chalices and reliquaries made of gold, silver, enamel, and glass.

Medieval Mysteries and Sacred Relics

Beyond the Pictish artifacts, the centre houses a rare 14th-century crypt that once held the relics of a saint. It also features the extraordinary six-headed burial of a clan chief, a unique archaeological find that offers insights into medieval burial customs. The historic church building itself is a timeline of six successive churches on the site, with remains dating back to the 8th century, underscoring the long religious significance of this location.

Vellum Workshop: A European Rarity

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Tarbat Discovery Centre is its evidence of a vellum workshop—the only one known in Europe. Vellum, made from calfskin, was the writing surface for illuminated manuscripts such as the Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels. Tools like knives, scrapers, and pumice stones found here reveal the sophisticated craft practiced by the Pictish monks, highlighting Tarbat’s importance as a religious and cultural hub in early medieval Scotland.

Engaging Visitor Experience and Educational Activities

The centre offers interactive experiences, including an archaeology pit where visitors can dig for replica Pictish and medieval artifacts. It serves as a learning and activity centre that preserves and promotes the heritage of the Tarbat Peninsula. Groups and schools are welcomed, with tailored visits to deepen understanding of the Pictish way of life and the area's historical context.

Connection to Broader Pictish Heritage

Tarbat Discovery Centre is part of a wider network of Pictish sites on the Easter Ross Peninsula. It complements the Highland Pictish Trail, offering visitors a deeper appreciation of the Pictish civilization’s legacy. The centre also preserves local family history archives and artefacts from its more recent role as the Tarbat Old Kirk parish church, linking past and present community identities.

Setting and Atmosphere

Nestled in a tranquil coastal village, the centre’s setting enhances the visitor experience with scenic Highland landscapes. The historic church and grounds provide a contemplative atmosphere, inviting reflection on the ancient and medieval past. The centre’s dedication to conservation and education ensures that the cultural treasures of the Tarbat Peninsula remain accessible and meaningful for future generations.

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