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Pictish Symbol Stones Maiden Stone
One of the few 'Class II' Pictish monuments in the north east of Scotland.
This an upright slab of red granite, 3.01 m high, with relief carvings of a cross on one side and symbols on the other.
The cross is surmounted by a man between 2 fish monsters, while there is a large disc below the cross.
On the reverse the slab bears, in separate panels:
- a centaur-like figure
- a notched-rectangle and Z-rod (chariot)
- a beast
- a mirror and double-sided comb
These large, high-relief symbols represent the final stage in the development of Pictish symbols from their incised beginnings.
The name 'Maiden Stone' is said to come from the legend of a daughter of a Laird of Balquhain who was turned to stone on her wedding day after losing a bet with the devil.
Directions
- Grid ref: NJ 703 247 Ordnance Survey Landranger Series sheet no. 38
5 miles NW of Inverurie on minor road running S of A96 from Oyne fork in W to Drimmies in E. Stone stands on bend: park in layby c 20m W of the stone. Now cared for by Historic Scotland.
