Kirriemuir Sculptured Stones facts for kids
The Kirriemuir Sculptured Stones are special ancient stones found in Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland. These stones are called Pictish stones because they were made by the Picts, an ancient people who lived in Scotland a very long time ago. These stones are important because they show that Kirriemuir was a significant religious place around 900-1000 AD.
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Where Can You Find Them?
The Kirriemuir Sculptured Stones were first discovered in the grounds of Kirriemuir Kirk, which is a church. Today, you can see these amazing stones on display at the Meffan Institute in Forfar, Angus.
What Do the Stones Look Like?
These stones are carved on both sides. They are known as "Class II" Pictish stones. This means they have both Christian symbols, like crosses, and older Pictish symbols carved into them. The carvings are in "relief," which means they stick out from the surface of the stone, making them easy to see.
Kirriemuir Stone 1
This stone slab has carvings on both its front and back. It features several carved figures and a special mirror and comb symbol, which was a common Pictish sign. Experts believe the figures carved on this stone are Saint Anthony and Saint Paul. This stone is one of the last ones made that still includes Pictish symbols. It was likely created around the late 800s or early 900s.
Kirriemuir Stone 2
This stone is also a cross slab, meaning it has a cross carved into it. Like Kirriemuir Stone 1, it is carved on both sides in relief and includes Pictish symbols. This also makes it a Class II Pictish stone.
Gallery of Stones
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Kirriemuir 1 front. Photograph by Kyle Munro.
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Kirriemuir 1 rear. Photograph by Kyle Munro.
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Kirriemuir 2 front. Photograph by Kyle Munro.
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Kirriemuir 2 rear. Photograph by Kyle Munro.
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Kirriemuir 3 front. Photograph by Kyle Munro.
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Kirriemuir 3 rear. Photograph by Kyle Munro.
