Four-star visitor centre Pictavia was represented at the Scottish Archaeology Fair in Strathpeffer recently, when the Council for Scottish Archaeology gathered 38 organisations and venues together to promote their activities to the public.

More than 800 visitors, including many families with children, tried their hands at the activities on offer – from bobbin plaiting and willow weaving to stone rubbing and ceramics.

The Lochlands Vikings and Picts demonstrated their weapons, cooking and jewellery-making.

Good weather and proximity to Inverness contributed to the high attendance numbers, and the Pictavia stand was kept busy with young and not-so-young visitors making stone rubbings of Pictish patterns, and enjoying Pictish hospitality.

Sheila Faichney, marketing officer for Tourism at Angus Council said: “There was a great deal of interest in Angus and the Pictish Trail, which helps guide visitors around the county. Families seemed encouraged by the fact that Pictavia is so easily accessible to touring visitors using the A90, and that there are so many lovely aspects to the county.”

This summer, Pictavia’s audio visual presentation has a new voiceover recorded by internationally renowned actor and Angus Ambassador, Brian Cox. Accompanied by full subtitles, the commentary will assist visitors to interpret the displays in the main exhibition more effectively.

A new member of seasonal staff also joins the team this year. Jennifer Sharp is studying Scottish history at St Andrews University, and is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with Pictavia.

For more information go to www.pictavia.org.uk