Clach an Tiompain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Eagle Stone |
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| Clach an Tiompain | |
Clach an Tiompain, Strathpeffer
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| Material | Blue gneiss |
| Height | 32 inches (81 cm) |
| Width | 24 inches (61 cm) |
| Symbols |
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| Created | 500-700AD |
| Present location | Strathpeffer, Easter Ross grid ref |
| Coordinates | 57°35′29″N 4°32′8″W / 57.59139°N 4.53556°W |
| Classification | Class I incised stone |
| Culture | Picto-Scottish |
The Eagle Stone, also known as Clach an Tiompain (which means "Sounding Stone" in Scottish Gaelic), is a special ancient stone from the Pictish people. You can find this small, carved stone on a hillside near Strathpeffer in Easter Ross, Scotland. It's a type of stone called a Class I Pictish stone, meaning it has symbols carved into it.
What Does The Eagle Stone Look Like?
This interesting stone is made from a type of rock called blue gneiss. Gneiss is a strong, layered rock often found in mountains. The stone stands about 81 centimeters (32 inches) tall, 61 centimeters (24 inches) wide, and 25 centimeters (10 inches) thick.
On one side of the stone, facing southeast, you can see two important carvings. There's a symbol that looks like a horseshoe or a curved arc. Below this arc, there is a clear carving of an eagle.
The Stone's Story
The Eagle Stone wasn't always in its current spot. It was originally located further down the hill, closer to the town of Dingwall. In 1411, it was moved to where it stands today.
One old story says the stone marks the place of a big battle that happened in 1411. This battle was fought between two Scottish clans: the Clan Munro and a group from the Clan MacDonald. The story suggests that the stone celebrates a victory for the Munro clan. This is because the stone has an eagle carved on it, and the eagle was a symbol of the Munros. Some believe the Munros themselves placed the stone there after marching against Donald of Islay, Lord of the Isles.
Ancient Prophecies
The Eagle Stone is also connected to the famous Brahan Seer (Scottish Gaelic: Coinneach Odhar), a person from the 16th century who was believed to have special powers to see the future. He made a well-known prediction about the stone. He said that if the Eagle Stone ever fell down three times, the valley around it would become completely flooded. He also predicted that the stone would then be used as an anchor for a ship.
So far, the stone has fallen twice. Because of this prophecy, people decided to set the stone firmly in concrete to prevent it from falling again.
