Cross slab

This cross slab was found at the old parish church at Reay in Caithness, reused in the south wall of the church. All four sides of the monolith were carved, sometime between 800 and 1000.

This picture shows the main side of the stone, carved with a cross in relief, filled with a diagonal key pattern. Although the shape of the cross is similar to that found on other Pictish stones, it is much narrower, due to the shape of the stone.

Once the Picts converted to Christianity, they often carved stones with a mixture of Christian and pre-Christian symbols. As in this example, the cross became the main feature, often decorated with interlace panels in relief.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-190-004-092-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.IB 267
Date:	Between 800 and 1000
Material:	Sandstone, reddish; sculptured in flat relief; lowest part missing
Dimensions:	1220 mm H x 240 mm L x 270 mm W
What:	Cross shaft
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Caithness, Reay Parish Church
Event:
Description:	Cross shaft of reddish sandstone sculptured in flat relief, found in 1947 built into the south wall of Reay Parish Church, Caithness
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