Description

The monument comprises two symbol stones and a cross slab of Pictish date. They are in the care of the Secretary of State for Scotland and are being re-scheduled to clarify the extent of the protected area.

The stones occupy a series of three roadside recesses. Only the SW example, the cross slab, is thought to be in its original position. The NW symbol stone is a sandstone pillar some 1.8m high by about 0.9m wide and about 0.2m thick, having on one face several Pictish symbols and motifs. A group of cupmarks low down on the reverse of this stone suggests that the Pictish sculptor made use of an existing prehistoric standing stone.

The middle stone is more simply decorated with Pictish symbols. The cross slab, to the SW, is rectangular, about 2.7m high by about 1m wide and approximately 0.2m thick. One side bears a large cross along with interlacing animals and angels. The reverse bears a series of Pictish symbols and motifs, including a hunting scene.

The area to be scheduled encompasses the three stones and small areas around them required to provide physical support. In the case of the cross slab, the remains of associated deposits may be expected to be found in this surrounding area.

The scheduled area is divided into three unequal, irregularly-shaped parts, coincident with the roadside recesses. The NE measures 8m between its N and S-most points and 8m between its E and W-most points; the middle area measures 6m between its N and S-most points and 4m between its E and W-most points; and the SW area measures 10m between its N and S-most points and 7m between its E and W-most points, each as marked in red on the accompanying map extract. Above-ground elements of the modern stone wall and road boundary are excluded from the scheduled areas.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a group of particularly fine Pictish carved stones. Its importance is reflected in its status as a Property in Care of the Scottish Ministers.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NO 55 NW 8.
Historic Environment Scotland Properties
Aberlemno Sculptured Stones
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/aberlemno-sculptured-stones
Find out more

Canmore

https://canmore.org.uk/site/34861/

Source: Historic Environment Scotland