Picts at Botriphnie

In the churchyard of Botriphnie, stood a stone, sometimes also referred to as St. Fumac's Cross.

Described by The Rev. J. F. S. Gordon in his book The Book of The Chronicles of Keith, Grange, Ruthten, Oairnet and Botriphnie, published 1880, as the ancient Cross of St. Fumack, Botriphnie.

It was cross in low relief, about 6 foot high and 3 foot wide. Forty years earlier it was destroyed by a blacksmith to use as a hearth.

Without a further description or illustration it is difficult to determine whether it was likely to have been of Pictish origin.

Chapter XIII in Volume X of the Statistical Account of Scotland 1794, recorded by Rev. Alexander Angus, only states that the church was built in 1617 is now if a "very ruinous condition", and the manse in 1776. There is no mention of the stone.

Chapter XXIV in Volume XVIII of the Statistical Account of Scotland 1796, also by the Rev. Angus, adds no other details about the church, manse, or the stone.

The chapter "Parish of Botriphnie" in Volume XIII of the New Statistical Account of Scotland 1845, recorded by Rev. W Masson, states that the church was built in 1820 and is in "most excellent order" and the manse which was built in 1776 is in "tolerable order". Once again no mention of there ever having been a stone cross.

sources

The Book of The Chronicles of Keith, Grange, Ruthten, Oairnet and Botriphnie by Rev. J. F. S. Gordon

Statistical Account of Scotland 1794

Statistical Account of Scotland 1796

New Statistical Account of Scotland 1845

Version 1.1

Updated with Statistical Accounts included