Description

The monument comprises a Pictish cross-slab dating to the second half of the 1st millennium AD. It is in the care of the Secretary of State for Scotland and is being re-scheduled to clarify the extent of the protected area.

The monument stands in arable farmland at around 160m OD. It comprises a red granite slab measuring approximately 3m high by about 0.9m broad and about 0.3m thick. On the W face of the slab is carved in relief a ring-headed cross, above which is carved the figure of a man between two fish monsters. Below the cross are ornate carved patterns, including interlace, key-pattern and knotwork.

The E face of the slab is divided into four panels and bears relief carvings of a centaur, a notched rectangle, a Z-rod, a Pictish beast, and a mirror and double-sided comb. The sides of the slab are carved with interlaced panels. This Pictish symbol stone probably dates to the 9th century AD.

The area proposed for scheduling comprises the stone and an area around it within which related material may be expected to be found. It is a truncated circle with a diameter of 20m, bounded on the NNE by the outer face of a retaining wall, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its contribution to our understanding of Pictish art, monumental sculpture and material culture, and because of the potential of associated below-ground remains to further add to our knowledge of these matters. The importance of the site is reflected in its status as a property in state care.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NJ 72 SW 1.

References:

Allen, J R and Anderson, J, 1903, The early Christian monuments of Scotland: a classified illustrated descriptive list of the monuments with an analysis of their symbolism and ornamentation, Edinburgh, 3, 190-1 illust.

Cross, M, 1994, Bibliography of Monuments in the Care of the Secretary of State for Scotland, 443, Glasgow.

Feachem, R W, 1963, A guide to prehistoric Scotland, London, 194, Fig. 47.

Mack, A, 1997, Field guide to the Pictish symbol stones, Balgavies, Angus, 74.

Ordnance Survey 1867, Object Name Books of the Ordnance Survey, Book No. 13, 60.

Rogers, C, 1872, Monuments and monumental inscriptions in Scotland, 2v London, Vol. 2, 313.

Shepherd, I, 1986, Exploring Scotland's Heritage: Grampian. HMSO; Edinburgh.
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Source: Historic Environment Scotland