Picts at Mortlach

Mortlach Kirk lies next to the Dullan Water, in a steep sided valley. This is the purported site battle between Northmen and Scots led by Malcolm II.

The church hold two stones with Pictish carvings. One known as "The Elephant Stone" is on display within the church. (This was locked and therefore I was unable to see the stone). The other known as "The Battle Stone" stands in the cemetery between the church and the river.

"The Elephant Stone" was found by a workman in the churchyard, in 1925. It broke into 5 pieces as it was lifted. The stone was assembled and put on display inside the church in 1934.

On one side is an "elephant", more generally described today as a "Pictish Beast", and under that a very unusual symbol, sometimes described as a scroll.

"The Battle Stone" is very worn, but some of markings are still visible on both sides of the stone

At the top are two creatures facing each other. the information board suggests that they might be fishes. Whilst they may have fish like tails, the heads do not look like fish.

In the centre is a cross, with hollows at each of the for inner angles of the cross,

Underneath, nearly visible now, is some kind of creature, which on the board is described as a lion.

sources

Mortlach Kirk information board

photos

my own

Version 1.0

On the other side, there was beast, which is no longer clear. The information board states it is a bird. Underneath that there is a wavy shape, which is a serpent.

Below that, once again difficult to make out is the head of a bull.

At the bottom there is a horsemen and hound.

The workmanship on both sides, especially on the side with the cross seem to be fairly basic. What is interesting is that on the side with cross, the symbols are in relief and on the other side they are inscribed. This suggests perhaps two different stages of work, perhaps some time apart.