The Nigg Stone

Clach Neig

A magnificent, intricately-carved Pictish stone dating from the 8th century AD which is regarded as one of Scotland’s greatest art treasures and which has been said to be second to none in terms of Western medieval art. The Nigg Stone, along with the Shandwick Stone and the Hilton of Cadboll Stone, is evidence of the important role of the Tarbat peninsula in Pictish times, and the three stones may well be linked to the major Pictish religious site at Tarbat.

The stone is housed in Nigg Old Church, a fine example of a Scottish parish church in a location which has probably been a place of Christian worship for at least 1,200 years.

The church and stone are looked after by the Nigg Old Trust whose volunteers open up the church daily between 1st April and 31st October.

The Nigg Stone is just one of the amazing Pictish sites in this area. See Easter Ross (Tarbat) Peninsula itinerary for further details.

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

Further information

The Nigg Stone is a magnificent Class 2 Pictish cross-slab which has similarities in its design to other works dating from the same period, including free-standing crosses on Iona, the St Andrews Sarcophagus (a Pictish royal shrine) and the Book of Kells illuminated manuscript.

The Stone’s great cross is set against a background of intricate bosses made up of snakes. The pediment above illustrates an episode in the life of St Paul the Hermit as told by St Jerome. On the reverse there is an eagle symbol, hunting scenes, and an illustration of the Biblical story of how David killed a lion in order to save a lamb in his flock. The carvings on the stone, and the skill of the sculpture, provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Picts.

The Nigg Stone stood in the graveyard of Nigg Old Church for many centuries before being blown down in a storm in 1727, and it suffered further episodes of damage in subsequent years. Recent careful conservation and improvements to the display of the stone, however, mean that its various pieces are now on display together inside the church.

For further information on the stone, see https://her.highland.gov.uk/Monument/MHG7496