The Thief’s Stone

Clach a’ Mhèirlich

A sandstone pillar, just under 2m high, which is carved on both sides with Pictish symbols: a step symbol (inverted L) on one side and, on the other, a pair of pincers and what might be traces of a crescent symbol. 

We don’t know why it is called the ‘Thief’s Stone’- perhaps you can think of an explanation!

Further information

Please note: the stone is located near the edge of a cultivated field, on the far side of a fence. The symbols on the stone are almost impossible to see but you can enjoy its setting and sense of enigma and age. Please view only from the foot/cycle path which runs alongside the field, and please do not climb over the fence.

Although there is parking near the stone, visiting by car involves crossing a busy road on foot.  We therefore highly recommend using the foot/cycle path from Alness to Rosskeen to visit this stone rather than driving to it. Walking or wheeling to the stone will also give you the chance to enjoy lovely views over the Cromarty Firth – and you will perhaps also see some of the area’s current-day monumental structures moored off-shore!This is an example of an early Pictish stone dating back to the 6th century AD. The stone may originally have been a standing stone dating to the later Neolithic or Early Bronze Age period (2,500-1,500BC) which was later re-used by the Picts.

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 at Ardross.

The Pictish symbols on the stone were noticed by a local doctor in 1890 but the stone was known locally before that as being prehistoric. It may well still be in its original position.

https://her.highland.gov.uk/Monument/MHG14745