From Hide to Manuscript: Testing the Tarbat–Kells Connection

Join us as Thomas Keyes presents findings from his latest archaeological experiment exploring a longstanding question: Could the Book of Kells have been created at Tarbat? With support from the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Thomas reconstructed and tested the hide-soaking tank discovered at the 8th-century monastic site at Portmahomack. He will discuss what the experiment revealed about vellum production at Tarbat, the challenges encountered along the way, and what the results may — and may not — tell us about the possible connection with the Book of Kells.