Clach Biorach (also known as Clach Chairidh)

Clach Biorach (air a bheil cuideachd Clach Chairidh)

A large stone over 10 feet (3 metres tall) – with Pictish carvings of a fish (salmon) above a double disc and Z-rod. The carvings are thought to date back to the 6th – 8th centuries AD and the stone is said to mark the grave of Carius, a Danish prince killed in a skirmish with local Picts.

The story of the stone goes back even further as it is thought to be a standing stone from the Neolithic or Bronze Age (4,000 – 1,500BC) which was re-used by the Picts.

Directions: park at Edderton Village Hall signposted with a Highland Pictish Trail sign.  Walk 300m along Station Road (limited pavement). Access to stone is through gate and 100m across rough grazing

Further information

Clach Biorach (English: “the pointed stone”) is almost certainly a standing stone dating from the Neolithic or Bronze Age. Local researcher Douglas Scott of Tain notes that it aligns on certain dates (for example, dates which later became the Celtic festivals of St Bride on 4th February and Samhain on 5th November) with a prominent gap in the hills to the north, and that it may be linked with the nearby Carrieblair stone circle.

The stone was re-used as a symbol stone by the Picts over two thousand years later. Local folklore speaks of the area around Clach Biorach as the site of the Battle of Carrie Blair. It is said that the Picts defeated an army of invading Vikings here over a thousand years ago and killed Carius, the Prince of Denmark. Local tradition says that he was laid to rest close to the stone which is also known as Clach Chairidh or ‘Stone of Carius or Kari’.

This is a site which was important to local people for thousands of years. Its significance may have continued into early medieval times as there are archaeological signs (not investigated) of activities and rituals taking place around it.

For further information see her.highland.gov.uk/Monument/MHG8591