Edderton Cross Slab

Leac Croise Eadardain

The Edderton Cross slab – an imposing and unusual Pictish stone more than six feet high and dating back to the 8th or 9th century AD. It has a large Celtic- style cross on one side, and on the other side a cross and and unusual carvings of three horsemen, two armed with a spear, sword and circular shield, which may commemorate a battle between the Picts and invading Vikings.

Please note that the cross slab is covered up for protection from the elements during the winter months. There are further fragments of Pictish stones inside the church.

Old Edderton Church itself is well worth a visit. Built in 1743 on a much older religious site, it has changed little since 1794 and is Category A listed (ie of national importance). It is open from April to September inclusive, between 2pm – 4.30pm on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

Further information

One side of the stone is carved with a large Celtic style cross, a symbol of the Christian faith adopted by the Picts. The other side is marked with more mysterious images. A Latin-style cross is incised above a man on horseback carved in relief. This figure stands above two further horsemen, all of whom are sitting in expert poses upon their horses. 

 One theory suggests that the horsemen could be the heroes who fought against an invading Viking army of Danes at the Battle of Carrie Blair. This battle is embedded in local folklore and it said to have taken place locally near Clach Biorach, another Pictish stone in the Edderton area.    

 The Edderton Cross-slab is recognized as a monument of National Importance because of its unique carvings, unusual even amongst Pictish symbol stones. 

For further details see https://her.highland.gov.uk/Monument/MHG8649