The Ardross Symbol Stones

Clachan Snaighte Àird Rois

Replica Pictish stone collection

Cruinneachadh de mhac-samhailean de chlachan Cruithneach

Replicas of three fragments of Pictish stones found in or near Ardross, including the well-known strongly-incised wolf on the ‘Wolf Stone’ (‘Ardross Wolf’), the gracefully-carved head of a deer, and a number of Pictish symbols. All the carvings stones hint at life here in Pictish times, and the wolf and deer carvings share a distinctive and skillful carving style. 

The original stones are on permanent display at Inverness Museum and Art Gallery.

Further information

The ‘Ardross Wolf’ or ‘Wolf Stone’ is one of the most famous incised Pictish stones. The animal is missing a paw and much of its tail but the body and ear are finely carved with scroll joints. The wolf has a rounded eye and the open jaw shows its tongue.

The second stone is a fragment incised with the head of a deer. The artist has captured the graceful movement of the animal in just a few lines. The style of the carving in the neck area of this stone suggest that the same artist may have been responsible for both animal stones.

The stones are unusual because the animals have been incised onto prepared stone surfaces – see how smooth the surfaces are.

The third stone has Pictish symbols incised on its surface. This complete stone was found by a farmer during ploughing in 2002. It is quite different to the other two stones – the symbols are incised on an unprepared surface so they don’t seem as well drawn. It has a step symbol (inverted ‘L’), a crescent and v-rod and a mirror and comb. The step symbol is uncommon but other examples have been found in the area between the Dornoch Firth and the Cromarty Firth, including the Ardjachie Stone at Tain Museum and the Thief’s Stone near Alness.

https://her.highland.gov.uk/monument/MHG8162
https://her.highland.gov.uk/Monument/MHG30013
http://www.archhighland.org.uk/news.asp?newsid=196