The National Museum of Scotland housed a exhibition about the Celts, which has ended a while ago unfortunately. However, there are still plenty of Celtic and Pictish objects of which some have clear evidence of knotwork. The museum is immense, so go for the lower floors of the tower section in the museum. Walk your way up the tower to experience Scottish history.
National Museum of Scotland
Celtic knotwork in Scotland
Wonder where to look for Celtic knots? Stop looking any further and discover a few locations featuring Celtic knots or locations with hidden Celtic art.
Esplanade Edinburgh Castle
No matter the weather and the amount of tourists it will always be a magical place. The esplanade in front of the castle is impressive on inself and gives enough possibilities to admire the high crosses at the edges. It's best not to go while the Millitairy Tattoo from the fourth until the twentysixth of August is on, unless that is the purpose of your visit to the Caslte and esplanade.
Not only is the Priory in Whithorn in the South of Scotland an enthralling place for pilgrims, it’s also an archeologically interesting location because of excavations and remnants that can be viewed in the museum and on the terrain. The carved knotwork has suffered from erosion like most stone carved knots, but because of good preservation the knotwork treasures are still speaking.
Whithorn Priory
Glasgow Cathedral
Integrated in Medieval Christianity, Celtic knotwork and symbols are likely to be found in churches that were built in the Middle ages. Whereas in more modern churches you might find Celtic revival art. In the blacader (pronounce as blackadder) aisle, in Glasgow Cathedral, you’ll be able to spot bosses on the ceiling of which some of them display Celtic knots.
Groam House Museum
This museum with a strong focus on the artistic skills of the Picts near Inverness has a collection of stone carvings, displays of George Bain’s creations (in summer) and an exhibition on local history (in winter). The interactive museum has something in store for every visitor and organises activities for all ages. Annual lecture series regarding Picts are given by leading archaeologists or historians near the museum.
The High Crosses, Iona Abbey
As spiritual and Christian sanctuary, Iona Island has been inhabited since 563 by monks resulting in a rich history and culture regarding Celtic ancestors. However, there is not much left of these early periods. Today Iona Island is visited by worshippers, pilgrims and tourists to attend services on the island and to behold the iconic High Crosses around the Abbey.
