During the plague in the 1300s it was noted by many that as it moved North the death rate dropped, and by the time it got to Northern Scandinavia it was down to 10%.
The Plague of Justinian was not reported to have moderated, and although news reports from that time are few and far between, it was entirely possible that it simply killed off everybody it could infect ~ leaving behind a population remarkably immune to the plague.
I know there's this "need" many feel for the Picts to have made it through the Dark Ages, but they may not have made it TO the Dark Ages.
There was a reason for Scotland to be so open and attractive to newcomers ~ there was no one home!
Nothing to do with a ‘need’.
You are spectulating. I am stating that there is no evidence at all for your assertion. In fact, your historical and archeological evidence is completely the opposite. The idea that the Picts were wiped out by some 6th century plague is simply nonsense. Or any kingdom in what is now Scotland. Or the rest of Britain.
The Picts existed as an entity until the mid 9th century. FACT.
As a BA Hons in History from Glasgow University, I think I have some confidence in stating this.