‘A missing link in ancient Scottish history’: on the trail of the Picts

Pictish stones are the relics of a long-lost civilisation, and visiting them in Scotland makes for a fascinating trip starting in Edinburgh then heading north

Beatles on the radio, stones on their mind, the masons are on their way to work. Got to Get You Into My Life finds an answering fanfare from daffodils on the verges as the van growls past.

They park by Aberlemno village hall. There is a job to be done. The Pictish monoliths for which this nook in Angusis known spend winter in wooden shelters, protected against frost. Now, Historic Environment Scotland stonemasons are uncovering them for spring.