Sculptured stone

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This stone carved with Pictish symbols was found in a mound known as Castle Hill near the church at Kintore in Aberdeenshire. It dates from between 500 and 800. Two other symbol stones were found nearby.

This side of the stone is decorated with the so-called Pictish beast on top and the double disc and Z-rod symbol on the bottom. The stone is broken at one corner and cracked across the middle.

Monumental stones and some silver jewellery were decorated by the Picts with a range of unusual symbols, some of everyday objects and others more abstract. Many theories have been proposed to explain their meanings which nevertheless remain obscure.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-442-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 22
• Date: Between 500 and 800
  
• Material: Granite, red; large; with symbols on both sides
  Slab
  
• Dimensions: 1820 mm H x 290 mm L x 890 mm W
  
• What: Slab
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Kintore, Castle Hill
  
• Event:
• Description: Large Pictish slab of red granite with symbols on both sides, from Kintore
  
• References:
  • Allen, J. R. & Anderson, J. The early Christian monuments of Scotland. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1903, vol. 2, pp 171-3. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: