Pictish Symbol Stones - Physical Locations

The majority of the Pictish Symbol Stones are currently outdoors and in very visible locations. Some have been moved away from their original positions but are nearby - often free-standing, sometimes built into a wall of a building, placed in a shelter or taken indoors for physical protection (for example into a church). Others can be seen still in their original, more open locations such as fields, farms and stone circles. Those in museums and public buildings give added exposure to a wide range of people to enjoy, wonder and study.

These pages record the places where Symbol Stones carved with whole, partially broken or fragments of Celtic, Pictish-Mithraic and Christian objects were found and where they are now; some are still in their original location. This PDF should be read in conjunction with “Physical Locations of the Symbol Stones”.

Features of Physical Locations have prompted grouping of the Stones as follows:

Church interior / foundations / wall On a barrow or tumulus Churchyard / graveyard Long cist capstone cover Church or chapel nearby Over a low rectangular cairn Manse Side of irregular cist Stone circle - part of or nearby Covering an inhumation burial In a field Cover of a cist-like structure In or by a farm Near a long cist In a garden By / near water In foundations of buildings In water From a dyke In a raised or open area Near a broch

Some notes on the listings Each entry below is marked up with its RCAHMS1 site number. Some Stones are listed in more than one grouping e.g. “Churchyard/graveyard” and “By/near Water”.

Association with any Saint is included in the entry - detailed in the Saints & Stones PDF.

The “Class” categorisation used in the listings is based on that formulated by Allen and Anderson2 with the addition of this author’s references to specific beliefs so that:

 Class 1 are the initial, or early, incised Stones with either or both Celtic and Pictish- Mithraic Symbols and no Christian crosses,

 Class 2 are in the “transition” between Pictish-Mithraic and Christian beliefs with both Symbol and Cross carvings and

 Class 3 are not “Symbol Stones” as such having clearly Christian carvings only. There are no clearly Class 3 Stones in these listings. Belief combinations Combinations of Celtic, Pictish-Mithraic and Christian beliefs are explored in the Belief Combinations - Investigations section of this website. When any two, or more, beliefs are represented on a Symbol Stone they are considered to be in a “Shared Space”. Two kinds of Shared Space were discovered during the Investigations; entries in these listings are marked up as appropriate:

 Where there are symbols from two, or more, beliefs that have similar or identical meanings there is correlation between them - these have been labelled "Complementary" beliefs.

 If the meanings of the carvings are related so that they, at minimum, do not clash but are perhaps not sufficiently strongly linked to be correlated or harmonised then they are labelled as "Implied Acceptance".

Types of carvings  Animals, birds and fish are considered to represent, in the main, Celtic attributes or religious beliefs and, less so, may have a Roman connection. What is included, and why, is in Celtic Carvings.  Geometric shapes of symbols have, in general, been decoded in the context of Pictish-Mithraism - a belief, it is suggested, was developed from Roman Mithraism.  Christianity is always represented by Crosses and sometimes with depictions of biblical stories.  Additionally, some Stones have commemorations of battle victories and hunting scenes.  A later use has been for applying text.

The listings - by location Entries below indicate location (original and current as well if moved from original), Class using the categorisation above and whether the carved objects are Celtic only, Pictish- Mithraic only, Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic, Celtic and Christian, Pictish-Mithraic and Christian or all three - Celtic, Pictish-Mithraic and Christian - as appropriate (based on the Investigations).

CHURCH INTERIOR / FOUNDATIONS / WALL Pre-Christian religions or beliefs have often been referred to as pagan with the suggestion that the arrival of Christianity replaced such followings. However, the fact that Symbol Stones with a range of Pre-Christian iconography have been found under, inside and built into walls of churches tends to suggest superstition, acceptance or reverence towards what had come before. Because very few of these Stones have been defaced, where there are instances of two or more beliefs with their respective carved objects on the same surface it can be concluded that the shared space was used successfully.

Arndilly NJ42NE 2 – built into wall of old church on site of Arndilly House prior to 1856, now built into a side wall of house - Class 1, Pictish-Mithraic only. Bourtie NJ82SW 4 – built high up into wall of 1806 church which is on the site of the former church - Class 1, Pictish-Mithraic only.

Elgin NJ26SW 2 - originally unearthed in 1823 near St Giles Kirk, Elgin and moved to nave of the ruins of Elgin Cathedral - Class 2, Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

Fordoun NO77NW 3.2 – used as paving in old church / under base of pulpit of 1788 church, now in vestibule - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance) + scenes and Ogham. Saint association - St Palladius.

Fyvie, St Peter’s Church NJ33NE 1 - three Stones built into the east gable of the church - “1” was recorded in 1867 as being built into the wall of Schoolhouse, “2” in 1899 was already in the church wall and the third Stone came from Rothiebrisbane. “1” and Rothiebrisbane are Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only; “2” is Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Inverallan NJ02NW 4 – found in 1888 during removal of foundations of former church, now built into wall of churchyard - Class 1, Pictish-Mithraic only.

Kinellar NJ81SW 6 – found in 1801 as foundation stone of previous church, now built into vestibule of parish church - Class 1, Pictish-Mithraic only.

Kingoldrum NO35NW 3 – found in 1840 during demolition of earlier church, now in NMS3 - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) + person and other objects. Saint association - St Medan.

Kirriemuir NO35SE 20 – two Stones discovered in foundations of former kirk during its demolition in 1787, now in Meffan Museum, Forfar - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (“1” complementary; “2” implied acceptance) + people.

Monifieth NO43SE 25 – four Stones (Class 2 and 3) found in foundation of former church were incorporated into the new church subsequently presented to NMS3. Two Class 2 - one Celtic, Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) the other Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary). Saint association - St Regulus (St Rule).

Mortlach (Dufftown) NJ33NW 12 – “1” the so-called “Battle Stone” stands in the lower graveyard extension on the haughdale below the church, “2” was dug up in the kirkyard in 1925 and is now built into the vestibule of the church;. Mortlach 1 - Class 2 - Celtic and Christian (implied acceptance); Mortlach 2 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Rhynie, Old Church NJ42NE 30 – two slabs dug up from foundations of old church in 1878, now in a wooden shelter in kirkyard car park - both Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Saint association - St Moluag.

Rosemarkie NH75NW 7 – found in floor of old church, now in - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) with bosses on cross + undecoded animals.

St Vigeans NO64SW 3 – several slabs and fragments from old church site with “belief” carvings and variously with people, scenes and undecoded objects. St Vigeans 1 and 2 - Class 2 - Celtic, Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary); St Vigeans 3 - partial Z-Rod & Crescent on a fragment but not included in Investigations; St Vigeans 4 - Class 2 - Pictish- Mithraic and Christian (complementary); St Vigeans 5 - partial Z-Rod & Crescent on a fragment evaluated as Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only; St Vigeans 6 - Class 2 - sufficient carving on reverse to suggest from a Cross slab - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance). These Stones, fragments and more are in St Vigeans Sculptured Stones Museum. Saint association - St Vigean.

Tealing NO43NW 9 - a fragment was built into the south wall of Tealing church. By 1911 removed inside the church and in 1969 transferred to McManus Museum, Dundee. Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary), fish monster is undecoded and serpent not considered to be Celtic. Saint association - St Boniface.

Tyrie NJ96SW 1 – so-called “Raven Stone” slab discovered about 1800 when digging up foundations of old church, now built into inside wall of new church - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

CHURCHYARD / GRAVEYARD Perhaps their being relatively portable prompted and enabled relocation to an adjacent church, incorporation into a wall, transfer to a museum, into a shelter etc. Of these Stones only Poolewe seems to have remained in its original location.

Brodie, “Rodney’s Stone” NH95NE 3 – from Dyke old church graveyard (NGR NH 9842 5766) - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance) plus undecoded objects and Ogham.

Clatt 1 NJ52SW12 - found in kirkyard dyke, at Knockespoke House since 1890 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Clatt 2 NJ52NW 7 – fragment found in kirkyard (late 1800s - lost) - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Clatt 3 at NJ52NW7 - built into kirkyard wall, moved into church 2003, replica in wall - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Clynekirkton NC80NE 17 - two Stones found in kirkyard one in 1855, the other in 1868 (said to have been taken there from Clynemilton farm), now in Dunrobin Museum - both Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Dyce NJ81NE 8 – two Stones had been built into kirkyard dyke at St Fergus Church. Dyce 1 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Dyce 2 - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) and Ogham. Both are now in a shelter by the old church. Saint association - St Fergus. This location is referred to as City in the RCAHMS1 publication.

Edzell 1 – NO56NE 7.03 – found in old kirkyard wall in 1870, now in Meffan Museum, Forfar - unclear but maybe Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Fetterangus NJ95SE 4 – found in kirkyard in 1876, now erected upside down by burial ground railing - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Formaston, Aboyne NJ50SW 1 – found in churchyard shortly prior to 1887, now in Victory Hall, Aboyne - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance) and Ogham.

Golspie (Class 2) NC80SW 13 - specifically named (Class 2) to avoid confusion with another Stone known as Golspie (Class 1). Although there are conflicting traditions about its original location, it was found in 1776 in the graveyard where it had been used as a recumbent gravestone and is now in Dunrobin Museum - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic, Celtic and Christian (complementary).

Hilton of Cadboll NH87NE 7 – originally near the ruins of a chapel (Our Lady) within other earthworks, now in NMS3 with a replica on site - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) and hunting scene.

Inveravon NJ13NE 7 - All 4 were mounted on an outside wall of the church, now in the vestibule/porch. Inveravon 1 Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic; Inveravon 2, 3 & 4 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Inchbrayock NO75NW 2 – slab found in burial ground of St Braoch’s church in 1849, now in - more Class 3 only than Class 2 - Christian cross & biblical story and hunting scene. Its name suggests the church was dedicated to St Braoch.

Inverurie NJ72SE 11 – four Stones discovered early 19thC in kirkyard , now grouped together in kirkyard; 1, 2 & 3 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only; Inverurie 4 - Class 1 - Celtic only.

Kintore Churchyard NJ71NE 33 – dug up in churchyard having been placed flat over a grave, now stands inside kirkyard gate - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Knockando/Pulvrenan NJ24SW 4.01 – when Stones originally at the old burial ground at Pulvrenan they were near the River Spey. Now built into the wall at the entrance to Knockando church. Knockando1 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only; Knockando 2 - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Logierait NN95SE 4 – discovered in kirkyard around 1878, “1” now stands close beside the church; “2” is within the parish church; Logierait 1 - Class 2 Christian and Pictish-Mithraic (implied acceptance); Logierait 2 - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

Logie Wester, Conon Bridge - found in 2019 at the burial ground of an early Christian church site, now on display in a window of Dingwall Museum - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance).

Meigle NO24SE 25. Note from Meigle Museum website “stones contained in the museum were all found near Meigle, mostly in the neighbouring churchyard or used in the construction of the old church”. Meigle 1 & 5 - Class 2 - Celtic, Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary); Meigle 3, 4, 6 & 7 - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance).

Navidale ND01NW23 – site of St Ninian’s Chapel, now in Dunrobin Museum - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Saint association - St Ninian.

Nigg NH87SW 1 – stood in Nigg churchyard, now inside church - Class 2 - Celtic, Pictish- Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

Poolewe NG88SE 10 - Londubh burial-ground, still in churchyard - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Rossie Priory NO23SE 4 - found in the old burial ground of Rossie before 1867, now in a private mortuary chapel in what was Rossie Church - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

St Madoes NO12SE 15 found in kirkyard, now in Perth Museum - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) plus hooded horsemen and undecoded beasts.

St Vigeans NO64SW 3 – several slabs and fragments from old church site, now in St Vigeans Museum. Note: see entries above under “Church Interior..…” and in “Churchyard..…”.

Strathmartine Kirkyard NO33NE 7 – fragments of Stones from parish church, “3” is in McManus Museum, Dundee and “4” in NMS3; Strathmartine 3, 4, 5 & 6 - Class 2 - Pictish- Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance). Current location of “5” is unknown.

Tullich NO39NE 2 – by the doorway and surrounded by a railing at St Nathalan’s church (with 15 Cross Stones - being Class 3 these are not part of “Shared Space” Investigations) - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Saint association - St Nathalan.

Ulbster ND34SW 28.01 - dug up in burial ground of St Martin’s chapel in 1770. Now in Thurso Heritage Museum - Class 2 - Celtic, Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

CHURCH OR CHAPEL NEARBY Listed here as these Stones do not fall within the church interior/foundations/wall feature.

Aberlemno Church NO55NW 26 - standing at the church - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance).

Advie NJ13SW 2 – found in burial ground of old church – built into current church wall - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Saint association - St Bride, to whom this church was dedicated.

Birnie NJ25NW 1 – built into the churchyard dyke, now stands beside the churchyard entrance - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Brough of Birsay HY22NW 1 – fragments found close to side of cemetery, possibly on site of 6th C Celtic monastic settlement; was a Norse cathedral, now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Congash NJ02NE 1 – found in a small circular enclosure on Congash Farm, seemingly the site of a chapel and graveyard (crop mark aerial outline), now set into walls on either side of entrance to enclosure - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Craigton NC80SE 2 - either dug up near the former parish church at Craigton or ploughed up at Craigton farm, now in Dunrobin Museum [there is a view that this may be an antiquarian forgery] - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Deer Abbey NJ94NE 5 - first recorded around 1850 standing close to Deer Abbey supposedly built into the foundation of a nearby lodge later in that century. Currently there is no trace of it but seemingly had Pictish-Mithraic objects and a Christian Cross - not included in “Shared Space” Investigations exercise. Saint association - St Drostan (was appointed abbot of Deer Abbey by St Columba).

Dingwall NH55NW 7 – been used as a lintel over a doorway of the church, now standing in kirkyard - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Dunfallandy NN95NW 29 – original location apparently either in ruins of a chapel 1 mile SW of Killiecrankie or near the chapel at Dunfallandy - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) plus people/scene and undecoded objects.

Findlarig NH92NE 3 – found (seemingly before 1865) whilst digging beside the enclosure of a ruined chapel, now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Note: the spelling with a “d” - Findlarig - is preferable to Finlarig which is the farm house location for the nearby Stone named Ballintomb.

Kinneddar 2 NJ16NE 44 - found in 1965 in a pile of stones from the 17th century church at Drainie but may have come from an earlier church site at Kinneddar - now in Elgin Museum - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary). Note sometimes spelt Kineddar.

Migvie NJ40NW 2 – dug up at site of old church, erected nearby - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) plus people/scene and undecoded object. Dedicated to St Finnan.

Pabbay, Barra NL68NW 2 – found in the graveyard of the church on Pabbay in the remains of dry stone walls supposedly of a chapel, now amongst broken stones; Cross added to Stone (estimated as circa 6th century) - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance).

Scoonie NO30SE 15 – found in old parish churchyard, now in NMS3 - Class 2 - Pictish- Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance) plus hunting scene and Ogham.

Skinnet Chapel, Halkirk ND164SW 2 – was built into St Thomas Chapel (ruin), now in Thurso Heritage Museum - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) plus undecoded object.

South Ronaldsay ND49SE 1 – sill of a window in St Peter’s church, now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Strome Shunnamul, Benbecula NF85NW 5 – church about 2.5km away at Balivanich - found in tidal channel, now in NMS3 - shown as Class 1 by CANMORE but no recognisable Celtic, Pictish-Mithraic or Christian carvings; basically carved objects are undecoded. Not included in Pictish Symbol Stones - Shared Space investigations or analyses.

Struan NN 8087 6533 – found in kirkyard when foundations for new church were being dug, now mounted against inside wall of current restored church - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Old church was dedicated to St Fillan.

Tarbat NH98SW 15 – this fragment, found in the churchyard, was part of a Stone until broken up around 1800 for gravestones, now in NMS3 - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance) plus hunting scene and undecoded objects.

Wester Denoon NO34SE 16 - discovered in 1992 during ploughing, now in Meffan Museum, Forfar - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) plus people.

MANSE An original location for any of these Stones is not clear but each has been found either in a manse garden or built into a garden wall. With manses having a church connection perhaps they came from an associated church - maybe not a current one but a predecessor.

Alyth NO24NW 14 – dug up in manse garden in 1887, now in church porch - Class 2 - Pictish- Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance). Saint association - St Moluag.

Birse NO59NE 18.02 – near site of medieval church, built into garden wall of former manse - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance).

Glamis Manse (aka Glamis Manse 1) NO34NE 2 - stands in the front garden of Glamis manse which may have been part of the churchyard - Class 2 - Celtic, Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

Turriff Manse NJ74NW 20 – was built into garden wall of manse, now in wall of driveway to St Ninian’s church. - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. May have come from St Congan’s kirkyard.

STONE CIRCLE (part of or nearby) Perhaps carvings on these Stones suggests a form of “transition” from the belief associated with the Circles towards Celtic only or to Pictish-Mithraic only beliefs.

Aquhollie NO89SW 10 – allegedly formed part of a stone circle, carvings indistinct; Ogham; no classification.

Ardlair, Kennethmont NJ52NE 3 – on the brow of a hill, another Stone 84 feet away on north – south line, perhaps remains of a stone circle - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Broomend of Crichie NJ71NE 8 – was near a henge, now in centre - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Dores, Clune Farm NH63NW 13 - discovered around 1859 when waste ground was being cleared, surviving and missing portions reconstructed, now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Celtic only.

Huntly NJ53NW 1 - a survivor of the Standing Stanes of Strathbogie (first documented in 1557) removed in 1862 and erected in current location in Huntly Square - a very weathered Horseshoe Symbol can just be seen - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Nether Corskie NJ0NW 3 – two Stones believed to be part of a stone circle - Class 1 - Pictish- Mithraic only.

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Not all Stones have been found in what might be called “ecclesiastical” settings. In fact 18 are not linked to a formal belief location. With a selection of objects across all three beliefs covered by Investigations in this website maybe more is to be found about these places that might make their locations significant.

IN A FIELD Ardjachie Farm NH78SW 17 - uncovered by a plough about 1960. An L-shaped step and a spoked wheel object are not known Pictish Symbols, the cup marks are pre-historic but this irregular boulder has been considered to be Class 1.

Balluderon NO33NE 2 - lower part of a fragmentary Cross-slab - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance). Also known as St Martin’s Stone.

Cairnton NJ81NE 79 - discovered on a modern day field clearance heap in 2001 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Now in , Aberdeen.

Collace, Fairygreen NO23SW 4 - found when ploughing a field in 1948 - Class 1 - Pictish- Mithraic only. Now in Marischal Museum, Aberdeen.

Cullaird, Scaniport NH64SW 13 - found in 1955 during ploughing - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Now in Inverness Museum. Dalnavie Farm NH67SW 55 - discovered in 2002 during ploughing, not far from Ardross 1 & 2 fragments - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Now in NMS3.

Dandaleith OS NJ 2890 4580 - discovered in 2013 during ploughing, now in Elgin Museum - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Dunnichen NO54NW 3 - dug up in 1811 and removed to Kirkton of Dunnichen, then Dunnichen House in the late 19th century, then to St Vigeans around 1967 and in 1972 to Dundee Museum (now named the McManus Museum) - there is a replica on Dunnichen village green - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only with an undecoded flower carving.

Edderton NH78NW 2 - known as Clach Biorach, Pointed Stone and Clach Chairidh perhaps a reused standing stone, still in situ - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Flemington Farm, Aberlemno NO55NW 33 - found in 1962 in course of ploughing, now in McManus Museum, Dundee - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Gairloch NG87NW 9 - found around 1880 in a field at Auchtercairn farm north of - used as a step of an outhouse at Flowerdale House, removed to the church and now in - Class 1 - Celtic only.

Gask NN91NE 26 - stood in a field between Gask House and Gask Church and moved to the grounds of Moncrieffe House - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance).

Invereen NH73SE 5 – in 1932 found in course of ploughing on the west side of the River Findhorn near Invereen, now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Kinblethmont NO64NW 12 - found during ploughing in 1952, now at Kinblethmont House - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Knocknagael NH64SE 25 - until 1991 stood in a field on Knocknagael Farm then moved to its current location in the foyer of Highland Council, Inverness - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish- Mithraic.

Leys of Dummies, Huntly NJ53NE 6 - blasted with gunpowder to remove it from a field prior to 1882, a fragment is now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Longforgan NO32NW 14 - found during ploughing in 1966, now in the McManus Museum, Dundee - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Monymusk NJ71NW 12 – found in a field by the River Don, now in Monymusk church - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance).

Rosskeen (aka “Clach a’ Mheirlich - The Thief’s Stone”) NH66NE 12 - in situ standing in a field by the shore of the Cromarty Firth - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only (unclear carvings, maybe a crescent).

Strathpeffer NH45NE 6 - Clach an Tiompain (the Sounding Stone) located in a field on the edge of the village is possibly in situ - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Torgorm NH55SE 14 - found in a ploughed field before 1903, now in Inverness Museum - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Upper Manbean NJ15NE 7 – stands in a field just to the west of Upper Manbean farm steading - Class 1 - either Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic or Pictish-Mithraic only (dependent on decode of serpent).

IN OR BY A FARM Ballintomb NJ02SW 36 - found on Ballintomb farm prior to 1986 and now built into the garden wall of Finlarig farmhouse - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Blackford, Peterhead Farm NN90NW 3 - supposedly one of two standing stones in adjacent fields on Peterhead Farm - this one (aka Peterhead 1) bears faint symbols of a goose and undecoded rectangle - Class 1 - Celtic only. No information available about a second stone.

Clynemilton 1 & 2 NC90NW 19 - either from Clynemilton farm or Craigton, now in Dunrobin Museum - both Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Daviot NJ72NE 11 - found embedded in roadside near Newton of Mounie farm now in garden of Mounie Castle - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Drimmies NJ72SW 16 - first recorded in 1856 built into a byre at Drimmies farm, now set into a wall at entrance to Drimmies farm - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Dunachton NH80SW 2.1 - found in 1870 used as lintel when an old steading was demolished, now at Dunachton Lodge - Class 1 - Celtic only.

Greens HY50SW 9- dug up close to the farm building at Greens ( Mainland) in 1923, now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Inverness, Kingsmills NH64SE 20 - served as a stepping stone in a byre, now in Inverness Museum. Arguably Class 1 - Celtic only.

Latheron ND13SE 27 - found in the wall of an old byre and now in NMS3 - Class 2 - Celtic and Christian (implied acceptance).

Newbigging, Leslie NJ62NW 41 - about 1942 this fragment was found while trenching a piece of ground on a farm, now on wall of walled garden at Leith Hall NJ 5399 2998 - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Newton of Lewesk NJ62NE 19 - found in 1914 embedded in the soil on the farm, now at Kinellar House - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Park House NO79NE 44.10 - a Stone was moved about 1821 from Keith’s Muir, East Park and cut for reuse. It was rescued and set on a pedestal by Park House - Class 1 - Pictish- Mithraic only.

Percylieu, Hillhead of Clatt, Clatt NJ52NW 19 - dug up near farm of Hillhead of Clatt, now on wall of walled garden at Leith Hall NJ 5399 2998 - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Rhynie Barflat NJ42NE 52 – ploughed up on a farm at Barflat near bottom of hill from Craw Stane. 2 Stones - Class 1; Rhynie “3” is an axe wielding man, Rhynie “4” is Pictish-Mithraic only.

Tillytarmont, Donaldstone’s Haugh NJ54NW 11 - 5 Stones - “1” discovered in ploughing not long before 1867, now in Marischal Museum, Aberdeen; “2” was ploughed up in 1944 now at Whitestones House, Morayshire; “3” is also at Whitestones House; “4” was ploughed up in 1972 and is in Marischal Museum, Aberdeen; “5” was found in 1974 during ploughing. Tillytarmont 1, 2, 3 & 5 - Pictish-Mithraic only; Tillytarmont 4 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Westfield, Falkland NO20NW 13 - two Stones found when a steading was demolished in 1971 (they had been cut down to form building blocks), now in Laing Museum, Newburgh - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

IN A GARDEN Balblair, Kilmorack NH54NW 16 - found in a garden at Balblair in 1969, now in Inverness Museum - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Also from Balblair (site no. NH54NW 155) is a block of dioritic stone with undecoded carvings and cupmarks; it is now in the rockery of Moniack Castle and is not considered to be a Symbol Stone as such.

Forres NJ05NW 86 - fragments found in a garden wall in St Leonard’s Road, now in Forres Museum - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Kintore 4 NJ71NE 69 - found in a garden, now in Inverurie Museum - Class 1 - Pictish- Mithraic only.

IN FOUNDATIONS OF BUILDINGS Abernethy NO11NE 19 - discovered in the foundations of a house in the burgh in the 19th century and built into another before the end of the century. Since sometime in the 20th century set against the east side of the Round Tower - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Gellyburn, Murthly NO03NE 1 - had been built into a Gellyburn village house wall and found during building works in 1949, now in Perth Museum - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

Woodwrae NO55NW 6 – found in the kitchen floor when the foundations of the castle were cleared following its demolition in 1819, taken to Abbottsford then given to NMS3 around 1924 - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

FROM A DYKE Ardross 1 & 2 NH67SE 12 - perhaps Ardross 1 (dog or wolf) and Ardross 2 (deer), found in a field dyke at Stittenham prior to 1891, could be from the same Stone - Class 1 - Celtic only. These fragments, now in Inverness Museum, were geographically close to Dalnavie Farm but it is of a different stone material and carving style.

Brandsbutt NJ72SE 23 - fragments reassembled and located in a green by a housing estate in north Inverurie - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only plus Ogham.

Cargill NO13SE 1 - discovered in a plantation dyke prior to 1884 and now in a rockery at Balholmie House. Its rectangle shape has neither Z-Rod nor cut outs typical of the Notched Rectangle Symbol but is evaluated as Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Lochardil NH64SE 46 - found in an old dyke now in Inverness Museum - Class 1 - Celtic only.

North Redhill NJ54NE 25 - cut down Stone with an indistinct and incomplete Notched Rectangle found built into a dyke on Redhill Farm, removed to Rothiemay Castle then to Whitestones House (the current location of Tillytarmont 2 and 3) - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Strathmartine Castle NO33NE 21 (sometimes aka Strathmartine 1 or 5) formerly built into a dyke near Strathmartine Castle, now in McManus Museum, Dundee - Class 1 - Pictish- Mithraic only.

NEAR A BROCH Broch of Gurness HY32NE 5 - found in 1935 during the excavation of the broch. The lightly incised carvings are ambiguous and not as accurate as typical Symbol Stones but it is considered to be Class 1 and, if so, is Pictish-Mithraic only.

Crosskirk ND07SW 4 – near broch / cairns at Crosskirk Bay, Reay - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only (lost).

Kintradwell NC90NW 15 – near Cinn Trolla broch with chapel and saint associations (St Tredwell) - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. Kintradwell fragments (4) are in Dunrobin Museum.

Redland, Firth HY31NE 15 - said to have come originally from near the Broch of Redland, found above the fireplace of a cottage in Redland and now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Pictish- Mithraic

Tobar na Maor, Skye NG24NW 3 - partly covered the well by Dun Osdale broch until 1910 and now preserved in Dunvegan Castle - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

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A challenge in those cases where a Stone is next to a burial place is to see if the Stone was placed by an existing grave (and for what reason) or if the Stone acted as some sort of headstone in the way we would understand that nowadays.

ON A BARROW / TUMULUS Garbeg NH53SW 15 – found during excavation of a cairn near Drumnadrochit, now in Inverness Museum - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Keillor NO23NE 3 – stands on enclosed knoll or tumulus in which several urns have been found - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

LONG CIST CAPSTONE COVER Dunrobin NC80SW 24 – was located to the south-west of the castle, now in Dunrobin Museum - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

OVER A LOW RECTANGULAR CAIRN Dunrobin, Dairy Park NC80SW 16 - discovered in 1917 in course of ploughing, now in Dunrobin Museum - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic and undecoded pecked symbols.

SIDE OF IRREGULAR CIST Easterton of Roseisle NJ16SW 26 - discovered in 1917 in course of ploughing, formed the west side of an irregular cist, now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

COVERING AN INHUMATION BURIAL Inchyra NO12SE 9 - found during ploughing associated with a series of boulders covering an inhumation burial, now in Perth Museum - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

COVER OF A CIST-LIKE STRUCTURE Drumbuie 1 and 2 NH53SW 1 - uncovered by ploughing in 1864, both now in NMS; Drumbuie 1 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only; Drumbuie 2 - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish- Mithraic.

Golspie (Class 1) NC80SW 9 - specifically named (Class 1) to avoid confusion with another Stone known as Golspie (Class 2). Found lying across an irregularly shaped short cist in course of ploughing in 1942, now in Dunrobin Museum - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Linlathen NO43SE 1 - found in either 1834 or 1842 during the excavation of a Bronze Age burial mound lying above a layer of soil above the capstone of a short cist. It was taken to Linlathen House; last seen around 1950, it vanished before 1958. Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only (only a Pictish Beast carving is recorded).

NEAR A LONG CIST Ackergill 2 ND35SW 13 - found during excavations in 1925, ‘lying on the surface’ near the head end of a disturbed long cist. Due to the Notched Rectangle being indistinct the fragment has not been investigated but is Pictish-Mithraic only Class 1.

+++++++++ +++++++++ +++++++++ Proximity to water can have several purposes including access for travel or moving materials, refreshment or spiritualistic purposes. Water is variously used, dependent on belief set, for baptism (partial or immersive), ritual washing, purification, connecting with others, creating relationships etc. Below are indications of water, mainly rivers, which are near Pictish Symbol Stones. Additionally two are shown as having been found in water but that is unlikely to have been their original location.

BY / NEAR WATER (maybe courses were different 1300+ years ago!) Most of these Stones are listed elsewhere e.g. church interior/foundations/wall, others are only in this feature grouping.

Aberlemno Church NO55NW 26 - near River South Esk.

Aberlemno Roadside 1, 2 & 3 NO55NW 8 (Crosstoun) - near River South Esk.

Advie NJ13SW 2 – near River Spey.

Alyth NO24NW 14 - near Alyth Burn.

Arndilly NJ42NE 2 – by Burn of Arndilly & River Spey.

Arnhall NO66NW 113 – north bank of River Esk. Found after flooding in 2003. Carving indistinct and not included in Investigations into Shared Space belief combinations.

Birnie NJ25NW 1 – near River Lossie.

Broch of Gurness HY32NE 5 - Eynhallow Sound, Orkney.

Brodie, “Rodney’s Stone” NH95NE 3 – when at its original location at Dyke (NGR NH 9842 5766) old church graveyard – Muckle Burn.

Bruceton NO25SE 17 – near River Isla.

Burghead NJ16NW 5 - by Burghead harbour / Firth.

Cossans, so-called “St Orlands Stone” NO54SW 4 – near Dean Water (south), Loch of Forfar (north east) and several burns.

Dandaleith OS NJ 2890 4580 - by River Spey near Craigellachie.

Dunfallandy NN95NW 29 – currently near the River Tummel - original location apparently either in ruins of a chapel 1 mile SW of Killiecrankie on the west bank of the River Garry or near the chapel at Dunfallandy.

Flemington Farm, Aberlemno NO55NW 33 - near River South Esk.

Fordoun, Auchenblae NO77NW 3.2 – by Luther Water (aka River Luther).

Fowlis Wester NN92SW 5 - alleged originally to have been at the mouth of the Sma’ Glen and River Almond.

Fyvie, St Peter’s Church NJ33NE 1 - near River Ythan and Loch of Fyvie.

Greens HY50SW 9 - between Clivie Bay and St Peter’s Pool, Orkney Mainland.

Gellyburn, Murthly NO03NE 1 - near River Tay.

Glamis Manse (aka Glamis Manse 1) NO34NE 2 - near Glamis Burn.

Glenferness NH94SW 10 – by a bend in River Findhorn.

Golspie (Class 2) NC80SW 13 - near Golspie Burn and North Sea just north of the Dornoch Firth.

Inverallan NJ02NW 4 – by River Spey.

Inveravon NJ13NE 7 – by River Spey.

Invereen NH73SE 5 – by River Findhorn near Moy / Tomatin.

Inverurie NJ72SE 11 – by confluence of River Ury (Urie) and River Don.

Kingoldrum NO35NW 3 – by Cromie Burn.

Kintore, Castle Hill NJ71NE 32 – near River Don on a motte.

Kintore, Churchyard NJ71NE 33 – near River Don.

Knockando/Pulvrenan NJ24SW 4.01 – when Stones originally at Pulvrenan - by River Spey.

Littleferry (Little Ferry) Links NH89NW 2 - found on the links - between Dornoch Firth and Loch Fleet.

Logie Elphinstone NJ72NW 7 - between River Urie and Gadie Burn.

Logierait NN95SE 4 – by River Tay and near River Tummel.

Logie Wester, Conon Bridge - near River Conon.

Meigle NO24SE 25 – near River Isla.

Monymusk NJ71NW 12 – near River Don.

Mortlach (Dufftown) NJ33NW 12 – Dullan Water runs behind graveyard.

Nether Corskie NJ0NW 3 – on the slope to the north of Corskie Burn.

Park House NO79NE 44.10 - from Keith’s Muir, East Park just north of River Dee.

Pool, Sanday HY63NW 17 - found in 1985 when excavating a multi-period settlement site by Lashy Sound - possibly Class 1 with an incomplete double disc carving. Now in Orkney Museum.

Raasay NG53NW 3 - near Sound of Raasay.

Redland, Firth HY31NE 15 - near Wide Firth, Orkney.

Rhynie - NJ42NE 22, 30, 35 and 52 - near Water of Bogie (“30” is closest).

Rossie Priory NO23SE 4 - close to Rossie Burn.

Rosskeen NH66NE 12 - by the shore of Cromarty Firth.

Sands of Evie HY32NE 31 - beach at Sands of Evie.

Sandside NC96NE 10 - near Sandside Bay.

St Madoes NO12SE 15 – near Cairnie Pow (into Tay at Inchyra).

St Vigeans NO64SW 3 – Brothock Water.

Strathmiglo NO21SW 21 - near River Eden.

Struan NN 8087 6533 – near Errochty Water.

Tillytarmont NJ54NW 11 – at confluence of Isla and Deveron.

Tyrie NJ96SW 1 – by Water of Tyrie.

Upper Manbean NJ15NE 7 – near Tyrock Burn.

Watenan ND34SW 57 - near Groat’s Loch, north east of Lybster.

Wester Denoon NO34SE 16 - by Denoon Burn.

Woodwrae NO55NW 6 – near River South Esk.

IN WATER Eassie NO34NE 4 – found in bank of burn by old parish church in late 18th C, now in enclosure in the shell of Eassie Old Parish Church - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) plus People/Scene and undecoded objects.

Keith Hall NJ72SE 46 – found lying in River Don in 1853, now in grounds of Keith Hall within the moated site - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic (complementary).

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It is likely that there is specific relevance to a Stone being in a raised or open area (or both) maybe with clear sight to a specific location or geographic feature; for example the Picardy Stone has a wide view, not least to (the site of an old fort).

IN A RAISED OR OPEN AREA Abdie NO21NE 10 – allegedly stood on crest of Kaim Hill - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Aberlemno Roadside 1, 2 & 3 NO55NW 8 (Crosstoun) - in an open area by the roadside; “1” is Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic; “2” is Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary); “3” has indistinct markings not discernible as Symbols.

Ackergill 1 ND35SW 12 - found in links, on a mound and/or by square cairns in 1896. Now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Celtic only.

Ardlair, Kennethmont NJ52NE 3 – on brow of hill, another Stone 84 feet away on north – south line - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Bruceton NO25SE 17 – in a field on haughland of River Isla - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Burghead NJ16NW 5 - six slabs bearing only bulls found in various places, including a well. “1” is in NMS3, “2” & “4”in Burghead Library/Lighthouse Museum, “3” and “6” in Elgin Museum and “5” in the British Museum. Arguably Class 1 - Celtic belief only.

Clach Ard, Tote, Skye NG44NW 1 - used as a door-jamb at Tote until 1880 then moved to present site (grid reference NG 4210 4908) on a ridge above the township. It has four different worn Pictish-Mithraic Symbols - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Cossans NO45SW 4 – isolated in low lying fields - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

Craigmyle NJ60SW 6 - in situ on the slope of a hill - very faint carvings - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Edinburgh, Princess Street Gardens NT27SE 130 - re-used as a footbridge near the Well House Tower just below the Castle now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Findlarig NH92NE 3 – on a low knoll - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Fiscavaig, Skye NG33SW 3 - discovered in 1921 on the beach at Fiscavaig, Loch Bracadale, now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Fowlis Wester NN92SW 5 - alleged originally to have been at a site at Bal na Croik at the mouth of the Sma’ Glen therefore in an open area, now in the parish church with a replica in the village square - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

Glamis, Hunter’s Hill (aka Glamis 1) NO34NE 17 - in situ on the north slope of Hunter’s Hill near Glamis Village - initially Class 1 upcycled to Class 2 - Celtic, Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

Glenferness NH94SW 10 – moved clear of flooding by a bend in the River Findhorn - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) plus hunting scene and figures.

Grantown NJ03SW 3 – found around 1865 when digging a large mound or knoll known as Cnoc-and-Fruich, now in NMS3 - Class 1 - Celtic only.

Kintore, Castle Hill NJ71NE 32 – had been on the top of the hill - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Knowe of Burrian HY31NW 2 – natural hillock maybe site of a broch, now in Orkney Museum - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Largo NO40SW 2 - two pieces were found on the Largo Estate, one fragment discovered during quarrying on the north side of Norrie’s Law, the other reused as a drain cover in 1839. Fragments were cemented together in the 1800s and since about 1933 the Stone has been at Largo Parish Church - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

Littleferry (Little Ferry) Links NH89NW 2 - found on the links - “1” and “3” are unspecific fragments, “2” and “4” have parts of Pictish-Mithraic symbols - all in Dunrobin Museum - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only. A fifth fragment in Inverness Museum joins up with “4”.

Logie Elphinstone NJ72NW 7 - three whinstone blocks lay on the Moor of Carden until it was planted then they were built into an enclosing wall, subsequently removed and erected in the grounds of Logie Elphinstone House - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Maiden Stone NJ24SW 1 - may have stood by an old track way by a mound and was moved a few yards westwards when the current road was constructed - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary).

Newton of Collessie NO21SE 18 - very weathered predominantly with a man bearing a spear and shield and perhaps a Horseshoe Symbol over what might be a Pictish Beast - Class 1 - perhaps Pictish-Mithraic only.

Newton House 1 NJ62NE 12 - supposedly stood between Newton and Rothney near Shevock about 1 mile south of Newton House where it now stands next to the Ogham and miniscule inscribed stone known as The - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Picardy Stone NJ63SW 3 – Myreton Farm, on open ground with a broad vista - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Raasay NG53NW 3 - found when the road from the pier to Raasay House was made (prior to 1824), stands in a Forestry plantation near Raasay House - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (implied acceptance).

Rhynie “Craw Stane” (aka Rhynie 1) NJ42NE 35 – open view towards Tap ‘o Noth” hill. Surrounding crop marks have been researched - Class 1 - Celtic and Pictish-Mithraic.

Rhynie Barflat NJ42NE 52 – ploughed up on a farm at Barflat near bottom of hill from Craw Stane. 2 Stones - Class 1; Rhynie “3” is an axe wielding man, Rhynie “4” is Pictish-Mithraic only.

Rhynie Plough Inn (aka Rhynie 2 & 3) NH42NE 22 - in 1836 found near the Plough Inn and placed near Howies Inn, in 1864 taken to the market square and currently beside the gate at the north end of the square - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Rothiebrisbane NJ63SE 5 - was used as a drain cover on the Auchterless to Rayne road, taken to Rothiebrisbane then to Fyvie church where it is in the east gable wall of the church - Class 1 - maybe Pictish-Mithraic (an unusual horse-shoe type carving and a disc enclosing three smaller circles).

Sands of Evie HY32NE 31 - found on the beach at Sands of Evie, maybe Class 1, Pictish- Mithraic only but only a fragment of what might be part of a Mirror is visible. Now in Orkney Museum.

Sandside NC96NE 10 - found about fifty years ago near the site of an ancient settlement on the sand links by the sea shore at Sandside. It was subsequently used to cover a mill- lade and moved in 1899 to Sandside House where it still stands (inverted) - Class 1 - Pictish- Mithraic only.

St Vigeans NO64SW 3 – on a glacial mound - 1x stone Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only, 4x Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (3x stones complementary, 1x stone implied acceptance).

Shandwick NH87SE 4 - on the hillside above Shandwick village now protected by a glazed shelter - Class 2 - Pictish-Mithraic and Christian (complementary) plus hunting scene and many complex carvings.

Strathmiglo NO21SW 21 - used as a gate post near Westmill and moved to Strathmiglo sometime before the end of 1978, it is set against the wall outside the gate into Strathmiglo graveyard - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Tillypronie NJ40NW 7 - stood on a low hillock called Tom a Char, near Logie Coldstone then was built into the gable of a house at Mill of Newton and moved to Tillypronie House by 1903 - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Wantonwells, Dead Man’s Howe, Insch NJ62NW 38 - found in course of ploughing now in Marsichal Museum, Aberdeen - Class 1 - Pictish-Mithraic only.

Watenan ND34SW 57 - fragments found on top of a round cairn in an area of lines of stones and cairns near Groat’s Loch, now in Northlands Viking Centre, Auckengill - Class 1 - Pictish- Mithraic only.

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Note 1 - The Pictish Symbol Stones of published by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) in 2008.

Note 2 - Early Christian Monuments of Scotland by Allen and Anderson first published in 1903.

Note 3 - NMS = National Museums of Scotland