THE story of the Vikings is one steeped in myths and mistruths. Were they really the brutal warriors who pillaged and looted their way across Europe?

The answer is yes, but it comes with a few big qualifications, according to Doctor Adrian Maldonado, interviewed for our cover story interview in The Herald Magazine tomorrow.

The story of the Vikings in Scotland is a little more complex than we might think, he believes.

Maldonado has spent the last three years investigating the Viking artefacts at the National Museum of Scotland. As a result, his Viking saga is not just a story of violence. It is also, he believes a story of trade, and of integration and assimilation.

“We imagine them killing their way through. But the patterns of settlement really show you something else,” he suggests.

Maldonado has written a new book, Crucible of Nations, based on his findings and he explains how grave goods and artefacts can give us a fresh idea of who the Vikings were and how they operated. He also answers the question, whatever happened to the Picts.?

For the full story see The Herald Magazine tomorrow.