Description

The monument comprises a cross-incised boulder thought to date to between the 10th and 12th centuries AD. The stone is set within a walled enclosure on the south side of a track 200m northwest of The Old Farmhouse at Blairston Mains.

The irregular boulder is 1.8m long, up to 1m broad and 0.6m thick and is now recumbent. One face bears a cross in false relief, set slightly off centre with arms of uniform length, expanding terminals and a tapering shaft which drops from the centre of the head. The form of the cross suggests the stone was carved between the 10th to 12th centuries. However, it may be a prehistoric standing stone which was later adapted in the medieval period as a preaching site or way marker. There is the potential for buried archaeological remains in the ground surrounding it. 

The scheduled area is circular and measures 10m in diameter. It includes the stone described above, as shown in red on the accompanying map. Specifically excluded from the scheduled monument are the above ground remains of the enclosure wall. 

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a rare example of an early Medieval carving in SW Scotland, possibly re-utilising a prehistoric standing stone (a rare practice). The monument has the potential to provide information about early Medieval art history and religious belief.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography
No Bibliography entries for this designation

Canmore

https://canmore.org.uk/site/41595/

Source: Historic Environment Scotland