 Of the Pictish stones found in or around Aberlemno, four are on view. One stands in the kirkyard of Aberlemno Kirk. The three others stand, each a short distance from the next, slightly set back from the south side of the main road.
The southermost roadside stone is highly eroded but may bear the traces of a curving symbol. The northermost roadside stone bears several Pictish symbols; a serpent, a double disc and z-rod and a mirror and comb. The roadside cross slab is carved on both sides. One face is decorated with an elaborate cross flanked by angels while the other shows a hunting scene with the Pictish symbols of a crescent and V-rod, a double disc and Z-rod and a depiction of King David fighting the lion.
While the Pictish symbols show a continuity with the two earlier stones along the road, the introduction of Christian images and decorative styles drawn from manuscript illustration, shows the impact of the arrival of Christianity.
The cross slab stone in the kirkyard is considered one of the finest surviving pieces of Pictish carving. It has a fine cross with elaborate interlace decoration flanked by zoomorphic patterns of entwined beasts. The side facing the church bears a battle scene between an army of men with long hair and an army of men wearing helmets.
About the Aberlemno Pictish Symbol Stones
Undiscovered Scotland: Aberlemno Symbol Stones
Megalithic Portal: Aberlemno Standing Stones
Wikipedia: Aberlemno Sculptured Stones
Journey to the Aberlemno Pictish Symbol Stones
The Aberlemno Pictish Symbol Stones may be found in two locations in Angus, Scotland. Three of the stones are located in recesses in the dry stone wall at the side of the B9134 in Aberlemno between Forfar and Brechin. To visit these, cars may be parked next to the village hall, which stands on the north side of the main road opposite the largest of the stones. From here, walk to each of the stones in turn. A fourth stone may be found in the Kirkyard, 300 yards south of the roadside stones. (An additional sculptured stone was found near the kirkyard and is now in a museum in the city of Dundee, Scotland.)
Streetmap UK NGR NO5214255528.
Visitors Information
Visitors information on the Aberlemno Pictish Symbol Stones may be found at the Historic Scotland website. General tourist information may be found at the Dundee and Angus Tourism website.
Additional Photos of the Aberlemno Pictish Symbol Stones
Road Sign for Aberlemno Church and Pictish Stone
Aberlemno Church
Descriptive Sign at Abelemno Church
8th Century Pictish Stone in Churchyard Showing a Battle Scene Below Pictish Symbols
Close-Up of Part of 8th Century Pictish Stone in Churchyard
Close-Up of Part of 8th Century Pictish Stone in Churchyard
Close-Up of Part of 8th Century Pictish Stone in Churchyard
Close-Up of Part of 8th Century Pictish Stone in Churchyard
Opposite Side of 8th Century Pictish Stone in Churchyard Bearing Celtic Cross and Pictish Symbols
Sign for Parking Area Near Alberlemno Stones Near the Roadway
Descriptive Sign for Alberlemno Stones Near the Roadway
Front of the Largest and Southernmost of Three Alberlemno Stones Near the Roadway
Back of the Largest and Southernmost of Three Alberlemno Stones Near the Roadway
Close-Up of the Top of the Back of the Largest and Southernmost of Three Alberlemno Stones Near the Roadway
The Northernmost of the Three Alberlemno Stones Near the Roadway
The Middle Stone of the Three Alberlemno Stones Near the Roadway
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