Dunnichen
1miles

Close to the village was fought, in AD 685, the Battle of Nechtansmere between
the Picts, under King Nechtan, and the Northumbrians. It was a turning point
in early Scottish history, as Northumbria was aggressively trying to extend
its boundaries, and had already taken the Lothians and Fife. The Northumbrians,
under King Ecgfrith, were roundly beaten, and Ecgfrith himself was killed.
At the crossroads in the village is a cairn, which commemorates the battle.
Some people claim to have seen a ghostly re-enactment of the fighting take
place in modern times. The "mere", or loch, which gave its name to the battle,
was drained many years ago.