Carved in Stone: Bringing the Picts to Life

Carved in Stone is an illustrated guide to the Picts in late 7th century AD, serving as a source of inspiration for tabletop roleplaying games, storytellers, and anyone interested in Scotland’s past. It covers everything we know (and many things we don’t), touching on languages, kingdoms, faith, hierarchies, cuisine and more.

In this panel event, the designer and lead researcher will explore the process, break down the elaborate illustrations, and discuss how they’ve approached bringing the past to life.

Carved in Stone is now available for pre-order. Copies will also be available for purchase at the lecture.

Brian Tyrrell is the director of the international awards-winning publisher Stout Stoat Press. Tyrrell combines years of experience in game design and interactive narratives, and infuses them with queer, disabled and accessibility focused perspectives. They are known for their comprehensive and compassionate approach to graphic design, art direction, and historical narratives.

Dr. Heather Christie FSAScot is the lead researcher for Carved in Stone. Outside of this project, they release educational content via the handle ArchaeoPlays on both Twitch and YouTube, where they predominantly teach archaeology through Minecraft. Their academic background combines material culture analysis, digital photography and 3D modelling, immersive museum experiences, and over 20 years of public outreach and education.

This will be a hybrid event which will take place both in Augustine United Church and live-streamed online, with the recording uploaded to our YouTube channel shortly after the lecture. Please keep an eye on the Society website, e-newsletters and your email inbox for the latest news and further information on Society events.

The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A. In-person attendees are also welcome to stay for a free drinks reception from approximately 7pm where you can discuss the lecture and other interests with the speaker, Society Fellows and other attendees.

Booking is essential for members of the public and Fellows of the Society. If you have reserved a ticket and can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or contact [email protected] to allow someone else to take your place.

The Society has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and bullying.

All attendees are requested to act with respect to one another during this hybrid event.

Anyone making comments which we believe to be inappropriate (e.g. offensive or abusive) will be removed from the event immediately. Equivalent procedures (e.g. with regard to spam) will apply online.

To help to tackle climate change and decrease congestion and pollution from cars, the Society encourages you to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport to travel to and from this event if possible.

Lothian Buses run services along George IV Bridge, Forrest Road and nearby South Bridge. There are also bicycle racks directly outside the venue.

Please note, the hearing loop facility at Augustine United Church is currently unavailable. We apologise for any inconvenience.

The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail.

Step free access is available via a door to the right of the building - please ring the bell for attention. Please note there is a tight turn in this passageway.

A standard accessible toilet is available on the ground floor and on the lower level (accessible via lift).

Assistance dogs are allowed inside the venue.

If attending via Zoom, captions are included.

You can find further information on Accessibility here.

The Society is grateful for our 2,600 Fellows across the globe whose support enables us to make these event free and open to all.

If you are interested in being part of this network and supporting a charity that has actively supported the study and enjoyment of Scotland’s past for over 240 years, visit our Join Us page for more information about the benefits of becoming a Fellow.

Want to keep up to date with our public-facing events and opportunities? Sign up to the Society's free public e-newsletter and receive monthly updates direct to your inbox.

Image: Illustrations from Carved in Stone (Credits: Nathaniel Santore gyrium.neocities.org, and Ripley Mathews)

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, United Kingdom