Carved slabs from Kirriemuir Kirk now stand on display in Forfar. The Kirriemuir Sculptured Stones are Pictish stones, early-medieval carved monuments, whose presence points to Kirriemuir as an important ecclesiastical centre late in the first millennium AD.
The stones matter because they preserve a late phase of Pictish symbol use. Kirriemuir 1 includes figural scenes, a mirror and comb, and images identified as Saints Anthony and Paul, while Kirriemuir 2 is another relief-carved cross-slab.
What follows is drawn from published sources, with each claim labelled by how firmly it is established.
History
The stones were found in the grounds of Kirriemuir Kirk.
They are now displayed at the Meffan Institute in Forfar.
Their existence suggests Kirriemuir was an important ecclesiastical centre in the late first millennium AD.
Kirriemuir 1 is a Class II stone carved on both faces in relief.
Kirriemuir 1 is one of the latest stones to include Pictish symbols.
Kirriemuir 1 can be dated with confidence to the late ninth or early tenth century.
Kirriemuir 2 is also a relief-carved cross-slab with Pictish symbols.
People
-
Saints Anthony and Paul
Figures identified on Kirriemuir 1.
-
Meffan Institute
Current display location for the stones.
-
John Romilly Allen and Joseph Anderson
Their classification system identifies the stones as Class II.
Connections
-
Photo: Ewen Rennie / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 Meffan Institute
Museum in Forfar displaying the stones.
-
Kirriemuir Kirk
Original findspot of the stones.
-
Aberlemno School
Wider regional style group connected with some Angus carved stones.
What to look for
-
Kirriemuir 1
This stone includes figural representations and a mirror and comb symbol.
-
Late symbol use
Kirriemuir 1 is among the latest stones still carrying Pictish symbols.
-
Kirriemuir 2
A second cross-slab is carved in relief on both faces.
-
Kirk origin
The findspot at Kirriemuir Kirk points to an early religious setting.
Plan your visit
- Location
- 56.6441°N · 2.8891°W
- Access
- Paid entry — managed visitor site
- Terrain
- Easy going
Opening & admission
- Stones are displayed at the Meffan Institute in Forfar; check museum opening details.
Nearby places
Building or ruin · Pictish & early medieval
Restenneth Priory
Angus
Restenneth Priory was a monastic house of Augustinian canons founded by Jedburgh Abbey, under the patronage of King Malcolm IV of Scotland, in 1153…
- Near Forfar
- 3 min walk from car park
Carved stone · Pictish & early medieval
St Orland's Stone
Angus
The stone is a Class II Pictish cross-slab - worked Old Red Sandstone carved in relief on both faces, bearing Pictish symbols alongside a Christian…
- Near Forfar
- 15 min walk from car park
- Easy path
Questions people ask
- What are the Kirriemuir Sculptured Stones?
- They are Class II and III Pictish stones found at Kirriemuir Kirk.
- Where are they now?
- They are displayed at the Meffan Institute in Forfar.
- Why are they important?
- They suggest Kirriemuir was an important ecclesiastical centre late in the first millennium AD.
- What is notable about Kirriemuir 1?
- It is one of the latest stones to include Pictish symbols and dates to the late ninth or early tenth century.
Sources
Explore more: Carved stones · Pictish & early medieval · Angus
The Ancient Codex, in your pocket
Get the Pocket Codex app
Carry the directory with you — Kirriemuir sculptured stones and thousands of ancient places across Britain and Ireland, offline, wherever you roam.