A tall green-slate slab carries a cross, animals and a horseman, joining Pictish symbolic carving to the early Christian landscape of Mortlach.
Quick facts
- Date
- Late Iron Age or early Christian period; scheduled 1923
- Architect / designer
- Unknown Pictish sculptors
- Type
- Carved symbol stone bearing a cross, animals and rider
- Designation
- Scheduled monument (SM350)
- OS grid reference
- NJ 32411 39248
Architecture, archaeology and continuing use
The front bears a low-relief cross, two fish and an unidentified animal. A serpent, possible bull’s head, horseman and dog occupy the reverse, and the leaning slab may remain near its original position.
Its story
The carving belongs to the Late Iron Age or early Christian period. Later tradition connected it with Malcolm II’s supposed victory at Mortlach in 1005–06, but the medieval chronicler cited for the battle did not mention the stone.
Why it is included
Scheduling recognises a well-preserved symbol stone important for understanding Pictish art, belief and society, with added significance from its likely original setting.
What to notice
- The cross and paired fish on one face.
- Horseman and dog on the reverse.
- The stone’s deliberate alignment within the cemetery.
Reading the surroundings
Keep to cemetery paths, never touch, rub, chalk or lean on the stone, and respect graves, mourners and any protective arrangements.
Timeline
- Late Iron Age Pictish sculptors carved Christian and animal symbols into a green-slate slab.
- Medieval tradition A later story linked the stone with Malcolm II’s victory at Mortlach.
- 1923 Scheduling gave the carved stone national legal protection.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
Its exact date, original purpose and connection with any historical battle remain unresolved.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Mortlach Battle Stone, SM350 — Designation status, mapped location, date, fabric and architectural or archaeological interest.
- Trove designation: SM350 — Parallel national record identity and archival context.
Location
OS grid reference NJ 32411 39248 · Location confidence: High: the national designation supplies an official mapped National Grid Reference; an additional source confirms record identity and archival context. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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