Seaboard Centre

Ionad Bòrd na Mara

Hilton of Cadboll Stone – base

Clach Bhaile a’ Chnuic – bonn

The original carved base of the magnificent Hilton of Cadboll Pictish stone whose replica is situated a short walk from the Seaboard Centre. Buried for centuries after the upper part of the original stone toppled and broke, the base was protected underground, meaning that its intricate carvings – decorative key patterns and interlaced beasts – have been beautifully preserved.

The base is on display in the Seaboard Centre where visitors can enjoy refreshments in the café and discover the history and heritage of the area in the ‘Lives, Loves and Fishing’ displays.

The Hilton of Cadboll stone base is just one of the amazing Pictish sights in this area. See Easter Ross (Tarbat) Peninsula itinerary for further details.

If you are travelling between the Black Isle and the Easter Ross (Tarbat) Peninsula, why not use the Cromarty Ferry (seasonal service)?

Further information

The great Hilton of Cadboll Stone  is a magnificent example of early Christian imagery and skilled Pictish artistry. The original stone is now housed in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. The detailed full-size modern replica that stands onsite above the Seaboard Villages (Hilton, Balintore and Shandwick) was commissioned by local people and carved by sculptor Barry Grove.  

In 2001, excavations at the site in Hilton uncovered the original base of the stone which had been buried for centuries after the stone toppled and broke soon after it was completed.  

The local community launched a successful campaign to keep the Hilton of Cadboll base in its home in the Highlands and it is now on permanent display at The Seaboard Centre.   

https://her.highland.gov.uk/Monument/MHG8546  

http://www.seaboardhistory.com/ 

Another magnificent Pictish carved stone, The Shandwick Stone, is also located close to the Seaboard Centre – be sure and take the chance to see it while you are in the area!

Please note: the Hilton of Cadboll stone base is due to be moved to the new John Ross Visitor Centre in Balintore in summer 2021.