Graffiti (cast)

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This is a cast of one of the eight runic inscriptions carved as graffiti on the roof of St Molaise's Cave on Holy Island off Arran in Argyll. It was carved in the 13th century.

The inscription translates as 'Vigleikr Stallari carved [these runes]'. Vigleikr Stallari is known to have accompanied King Haakon of Norway to the West of Scotland in 1263. Their fleet lay in Lamlash Bay, near Holy Island before the battle of Largs.

The Vikings colonised the Northern and Western Isles from around 800. The Western Isles remained under Scandinavian control, ruled by Norwegian jarls or nobles for the Norwegian king, until 1263 when Haakon was defeated at the battle of Largs.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-102-607-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 296
• Date: 13th century
  Original carving: 13th century; date of cast: 1910.
  
• Material: Runic inscription, Olsen VIII (B. of A.II) UIGLAEIKR STALLARE RAE ISST (Vigleikr the King's marshall on the expedition of 1263)
  Inscription / cast
  
• Dimensions: 27" x 12.5"
  
• What: Inscription / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Bute, Arran, Holy Island, St Molaise's Cave
  
• Event:
• Description: Early 20th century cast of one of the eight runic inscriptions carved as graffiti on the roof of St Molaise's Cave, Holy Island, 13th century
  
• References:
• Translations:
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