Scottish Blog

Pictish Stones are relics of the Pictish people of ancient Scotland.

Pictish stones are found throughout Scotland, where ever the Pictish people settled. They can reveal much about the ancient inhabitants of the land and like the symbols on your Scottish heirloom jewelery they can reveal a number of interesting stories.

Predominantly Pictish stones are found in the Northern end of Scotland, due to that being the area where the Picts tended to settle.

The exact purpose of Pictish stones is uncertain, although there are some theories as to the intention of their builders. It is believed that some served as markers for territory lines between different clans. Others are personal markers normally they describe the builder, their clan and lineage. A small number also serve as burial markers.

Pictish Stone researchers have categorized the various stones into categories. There are three separate classes of Pictish stones:

Class 1: These are the simplest of Pictish Stones, typically they are adorned with crude symbolisms, being only incised into the stone. The also have no cross on either side. Typically they date back from the 6th, 7th or 8th century.

Class 2: Dated into the 8th and 9th century. Typically these are more influenced by Christian themes. They are also adorned with a cross as a prominent feature on one or both sides. These stones are largely found to be rectangular in shape.

Class 3: These are also from the 8th and 9th century. But these differ from Class 2 stones by a distinct lack of Pictish symbology. Namely these show Christian motifs, or any varying symbols related to their purpose. In some cases Class 3 Pictish stones are free standing stone crosses.