The Meffan

Overview

Originally Forfar's library and museum, the building is now a lively art gallery and museum. Every month new art exhibitions are staged, bringing to Forfar the work of a range of contemporary Scottish artists. Two galleries are devoted to these ever changing exhibitions.

Another two galleries explore "The Forfar Story" from the zenith of Pictish artistic endeavour, a stunning collection of Pictish Stones are displayed to best advantage so both front and rear of these enigmatic sculptured stones can be closely examined. An interactive screen guides the visitor through every Pictish stone found in Angus. Models of two archaeologists are seen excavating a log canoe dated to the 11th century, around the time of King Malcolm Canmore and his saintly Queen Margaret enjoyed their stays at Forfar Loch, feasting and hunting.

The visitor can next wander through time down an old narrow cobbled street called The Vennel. They can peer into a knockmaker's workshop [clocks], see linen being woven by a weaver, drool over bread, and of course, bridies at the bakers; the shoemaker is busy mending and making boots and shoes. The street is lively with sound of dogs and cries. The last shop on the street is Peter Reid's sweetie shop with it's far-famed Forfar Rock. Here a little girl stretches up to give Peter her bawbee for some mouth-watering Soor Plooms, Strippit Candy balls or Lucky tattie.

Finally the visitor steps into a crowd staring in awe, horror, at a witch about to be strangled and burnt. Forfar had a dark period in its history where several women were accused of witchcraft. A summons is read out, the crowd shout and jeer.

This lovely building is much loved by the community with many clubs and societies meeting here. The museum is gradually developing events and activities.