By the middle of the 7th century Anglian Northumbria had expanded its influence as far as tax collection in Edinburgh and by about 665 they had penetrated the ancient Kingdom of Fife and were demanding tribute. In the ever-friendly tradition of Teutonic expansionism they invaded Ireland about 684 and slaughtered on a grand scale. That was the wake-up call required by the northern end of Britain, populated largely by the Caledonian Picts.

When King Ecgfrith gathered his storm troopers in the spring of 685 and set off north, apparently with a view to conquering ancient Pictland, the land above the Forth-Clyde isthmi, the alarm bells went off all the way to the northern isles. King Brude, by this time recognised as king of all Pictland, had over-all command of an army of Picts which may even have included a naval back-up. Ecgfrith had only two basic options for routes north. He could try the rugged direct route to Inverness with a high ambush risk as soon as he penetrated the glens of northern Perthshire or, he could take the east coast route and hope to scout the slightly flatter land successfully. In those days the art of ambush was everything, as the Romans had learned to their severe cost during 400 years of occupation.

Ecgfrith chose the more sensible east coast route and after crossing the Tay at Perth he probably set off up Strathmore, following a track which has become the present A94, through Coupar Angus, Meigle and Glamis toward Forfar. Around this point may be when he is reported as being drawn into a diversion to pursue visible Pictish forces. Equally that tale may speak of a moment much closer to Dun Nechtan itself – a towering promontory with a masterly view of all below. Either way Ecgfrith chose to head slightly more toward the coast than risk the track to Brechin and that took him towards the ‘killing field' near Letham. The rest will explained during the Battle-Site talk by Robbie the Pict on Saturday afternoon at 2pm, meet at Dunnichen Church.