Stone at Edderton

Stone at Edderton

ID: QZP40_2475_1_P006 DESCRIPTION: Carved in relief on both faces, Pictish standing stones remain something of a mystery. The later slabs usually contain a cross as well as numerous Pictish symbols which may have mythological or religious meanings. However, as many symbols appear in pairs they may designate particular lineages or kindreds. Gradually, between 600 and 800 AD, most of the Picts were converted to Christianity. It is during this time that the carved stones for which the Picts are renowned were produced. The cross-slab, now leaning, in Edderton churchyard is designated a Class 3 stone. A Class 3 Pictish stone is any stone dating from the 8th or 9th century where no symbol has been identified. On the west face is a Celtic cross, with a broad circle around the intersection; on the east face a Latin cross and a horseman in relief. The two lower horsemen are now concealed beneath the ground. No Pictish symbols are visible. Fragments of Pictish stones found in the churchyard are now in Tain Museum. This plate is taken from 'A Short Account of some Carved Stones in Ross-shire, accompanied with a series of Outline Engravings' by Charles Carter Petley and published in 'Archaeologia Scotica or Transactions of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland', vol IV (1857) PLACENAME: Edderton DISTRICT: Tain OLD COUNTY/PARISH: ROSS: Edderton DATE OF IMAGE: 1857 SOURCE: Highland Libraries COLLECTION: Fraser Mackintosh Collection (illustrations) Asset ID: 31680 KEYWORDS: