The cross-slab was carved probably in the late 8th or early 9th century AD as a Class II Pictish monument, combining Christian and pre-Christian Pictish motifs; given its size it was likely intended…
Maiden Stone is a carved stone near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
What follows is drawn from published sources, with each claim labelled by how firmly it is established.
The name
The name derives from local legend and from the most obvious mark of wear on the stone — a triangular notch near the top, said to be where the Devil grasped the fleeing maiden's shoulder. The monument is also known as the Drumdurno Stone, after the nearby farm.
History
The cross-slab was carved probably in the late 8th or early 9th century AD as a Class II Pictish monument, combining Christian and pre-Christian Pictish motifs; given its size it was likely intended as a notable landmark.
People
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The Picts
The culture that carved the cross-slab
Cultural influences
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The Class II Pictish cross-slab tradition — a Christian ringed cross on one face combined with traditional Pictish symbols on the other, marking the fusion of the two traditions.
In culture
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At approximately 3 m high it is one of the tallest of all Pictish monuments, even though several centimetres have been lost from the top to weathering.
What to look for
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The red granite slab, about 3 m high, 0.9 m broad and 0.3 m thick — one of the tallest Pictish stones.
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On the west face: a ringed cross below a human figure flanked by two 'fish-monsters', and beneath it a square panel with a Celtic spiral disc within a key-patterned ring and knotwork-filled corners.
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On the reverse, four panels: a large centaur below weathered figures (possibly two wrestling centaurs and a dog), a notched-rectangle-and-Z-rod symbol, a Pictish Beast, and a mirror and comb.
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Knotwork on the narrow north edge and a keywork pattern on the south edge.
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The triangular notch near the top — the heavily weathered feature that gave rise to the maiden legend.
What is said
Folklore and tradition, recorded as what is said — not as established fact.
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The daughter of the Laird of Balquhain wagered a stranger that she could bake a bannock faster than he could build a road to the top of Bennachie, the prize being her hand. The stranger was the Devil; he won, and as the maiden fled and prayed to be saved, God turned her to stone — the notch in the stone marking where the Devil seized her shoulder. (local origin legend explaining the stone's name and notch)
Plan your visit
- Location
- 57.3120°N · 2.4935°W
- Nearest settlement
- Inverurie
- Access
- Open access
- Terrain
- Easy going
- Start point
- The Maiden Stone · Near Chapel of Garioch, 4.5m North West of Inverurie on the A96.
- Best time
- The stone is covered in winter as it is vulnerable to frost damage and the cold winter conditions. Can be viewed during summer months.
- Start point
- Maiden Stone car park (A96 layby) — Surfaced free car park beside the Maiden Stone near Chapel of Garioch, about 4.5 miles north-west of Inverurie off the A96. Note the stone is boxed up over winter for frost protection and viewable in summer.
Opening & admission
Free entry
- The stone is covered in winter as it is vulnerable to frost damage and the cold winter conditions.
- Can be viewed during summer months.
Nearby places
Sources
- Canmore site record 18978 (accessed 2026-06-13)
- Trove (HES) record (accessed 2026-06-13)
- Wikipedia: Maiden Stone (accessed 2026-06-13)
- Wikidata Q1885164 (accessed 2026-06-13)
Explore more: Carved stones · Pictish & early medieval · Aberdeenshire
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