Front of a cross slab

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This cross slab was found at Hilton of Caboll in Ross-shire. It was originally carved between 800 and 900 with a Christian cross in the centre, surrounded other carvings. In the mid 17th century, it was prepared for reuse as gravestone.

The slab's base is broken. The original carvings were chiselled off and replaced in the mid 17th century by an inscription, part of which reads: 'Hier lies Alexander Dyf and his three wives'. It seems, however, that it was not actually erected.

The original design on this face of the cross slab was destroyed, but by analogy with other monumental Pictish cross slabs from the Easter Ross area and beyond it probably had a Christian cross at its centre, surrounded by other carvings.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-497-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 189
• Date: 7th or 8th century
  Carved between 800 and 900, and remodelled on the front in the mid 17th century
  
• Material: Stone
  Cross slab
  
• Dimensions: 2500 mm H x 180 mm L x 1440 mm W
  
• What: Cross slab
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Cadboll
  
• Event:
• Description: Cross slab showing hunters on horses, hounds and deer, from Hilton of Cadboll, Ross and Cromarty, 7th or 8th century
  
• References:
  • Close-Brooks, J. & Stevenson, R.B.K. Dark Age Sculpture. Edinburgh: HMSO, 1982 
• Translations:
• Related Records: