Tarbat Discovery Centre
The Tarbat Discovery Centre is on the grounds of the ancient church of St Colman, displaying works of art created in stone by the Picts more than 1,200 years ago.
These treasures, discovered during a 1990s archaeological dig, include fragments of majestic cross-slabs carved skilfully with elaborate geometric patterns, interwoven with magnificent animals and people. The Centre displays Pict and Early Medieval tools, artefacts and moulds used in the 8th century to create religious masterpieces, such as chalices and reliquaries in gold, silver, enamel and glass.
It is a museum, learning and activity centre that preserves and promotes the heritage of the Tarbat peninsula.
In Memoriam of Catherine Vass, THT Chair 2014-2020
We are sorry to share the news that Catherine Vass, our former Chairperson, died on 26 November 2025. Catherine took over as our chair person and along with her husband Nick, who was a great help with his IT knowledge, helped guide the Tarbat Historic Trust through some turbulent times. She was assisted by her friend and neighbour Pat Rae as vice chair. Catherine helped move the centre forward and being a farmers daughter, was not scared of getting stuck in and rolling her sleeves up to see projects through to completion. Catherine was gifted in many different areas and used her talents to adapt to all the changes that were happening during her tenure. She certainly helped the centre to survive by liaising with many other organisations, attending many meetings and generally raising the profile of the Centre in the wider community. It was a a privilege and honour to work with Catherine and she will be sadly missed.
Tribute by Douglas Gordon (Trustee)
Opening Hours
1 March – 31 March 2025
Monday – Saturday, 1 pm – 4 pm
1 April – 31 October 2025
Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm
Sunday, 1 pm – 4 pm
1 November 2025 – 28 February 2026
By appointment only. Please contact us to arrange a visit.
Admission
Under 18 years and students – free
Concessions (65+; disabled visitors) – £5.00
Adult – £6.50
Carer that accompanies a disabled visitor – free
Members of the Tarbat Historic Trust: free
Tarbat Discovery Centre
Tarbatness Road
Portmahomack
Tain
IV20 1YA
We have a car park on site.
Schools and Groups
Schools are welcome to visit at no cost and should fill out the booking form or call 01862 871 351 to arrange the visit
Groups of 8 people or more are welcome to visit but please let us know in advance by filling out the booking form or calling 01862 871 351 to arrange.
The video recording of ‘Uncovering the Origin of the Book of Kells?’ is now available. Tickets: https://buytickets.at/tarbatdiscoverycentre/1615408.
At the end of January the Tarbat Discovery Centre held its first-ever hybrid event in Edinburgh. Dr Victoria Thompson Whitworth shared her work on links between the Picts, Portmahomack, and the Book of Kells – one of Christianity’s most important medieval documents. She was joined by Thomas Keyes, Master Craftsman, who shared his ongoing practical archaeological research. The event ended with a lively discussion between the two experts, and a Q&A session for members of the audience.
Music courtesy of Drone to Home.
Images, drone footage, and videography by
Émilie Atmane
Douglas Gordon
Miles Harrison
Thomas Keyes
Mairi MacPherson
Norman Strachan
And others present at the dig and throughout the Centre’s history
