Brodie Illuminated has returned this November with a spectacular new theme, inviting visitors to step back in time and discover the fascinating world of Scotland’s ancient Picts.
Now in its seventh year, the popular evening light trail at Brodie Castle and Estate is turning the spotlight on The Land of the Picts, bringing together history, art, light and sound to celebrate one of Scotland’s most intriguing ancient cultures.
This year’s theme has a particularly strong connection to the local landscape. It takes its inspiration from Rodney’s Stone, the remarkable Pictish carved stone which stands proudly at the entrance to the Brodie estate.
Dating from the early medieval period, this historic monument provides a tangible link to the people who lived in this part of Scotland more than a thousand years ago.
But the Picts weren’t just local, and inspiration has also been taken from carved stones from Easter Ross, Burghead, Orkney, and further still from the Book of Kells and Book of Durrow. Someone has really done their homework, it’s an immersive adventure into one of the most mysterious epochs of Scottish history.
Pictish inspiration
Visitors following the illuminated trail will encounter imagery inspired by the distinctive artistic language of the Picts. Their carved stones are famous for their intricate patterns, mysterious symbols and beautifully represented animals. Crescent shapes, double discs, elaborate spirals and strange beasts all feature in Pictish artwork, offering clues to a culture whose beliefs, traditions and everyday lives are still being explored by historians.
Animals were particularly important in Pictish artistic expression. Eagles, salmon, stags, bulls, snakes and other creatures appear in their carvings, often depicted with remarkable detail and movement. Whether representing spiritual beliefs, power, identity or connections with the natural world, these images provide a fascinating glimpse into how the Picts understood their surroundings.
It’s a fitting tribute to the Picts, given their reliance on imagery for communication, The connections between the illuminated imagery and Pictish life go beyond decoration. The carved stones were an important form of communication and artistic expression, potentially marking territories, commemorating individuals or reflecting religious beliefs. As Christianity spread through Pictland, crosses and Christian imagery also began appearing alongside the older symbols, creating a distinctive blend of artistic traditions.
Mystery
Much about the meaning of individual Pictish symbols remains a mystery. That sense of intrigue makes them particularly suited to an event like Brodie Illuminated, where light and colour can bring ancient designs to life while allowing visitors to interpret the imagery for themselves.
As in every year, the experience makes full use of the magnificent 16th-century Brodie Castle, which will be transformed through projection, light and sound. The contrast between the castle’s historic architecture, the surrounding estate and the ancient world of the Picts creates an atmospheric setting for this year’s journey.
Running from 5 to 29 November, Thursday to Sunday, The Land of the Picts promises an evening of discovery, imagination and spectacular visual experiences for visitors of all ages.
It is an opportunity not just to enjoy a beautiful illuminated trail, but to discover more about the people, symbols and stories that helped shape Scotland’s history – right here in Moray.
