Site Directory
Leisure, Culture and Tourism
Archaeology
Sites to Visit
Pictish Symbol Stones Mortlach Kirk, Dufftown
Mortlach Kirk is one of the earliest Christian foundations in North east Scotland and the church still retains its beautiful medieval proportions.
Two stones can be seen here. The Battle Stone stands on a path in the lowest graveyard extension. It is a 1.75 m high cross slab bearing:
on one side 2 fish monsters, a relief cross and a grotesque beast
on the other side, the incised forms of a bird, a serpent, an ox skull and a horseman and dog
The second stone, also found in the graveyard, is in the vestibule of the church. It is earlier in date than the Battle Stone, being incised with a Pictish beast and a unique curved symbol, possibly based on an early type of brooch.
Directions
- Grid ref: NJ 324 392 Ordnance Survey Landranger Series sheet no. 28
In the Square in Dufftown, turn S to banks of Dullan Water; or on entering Dufftown from E On the A941, fork W (left). Signposted.
