The ancient stone pillar that gives insight into Scotland's Pictish history
An important piece of Scotland's ancient past has been carefully restored and helped shed light on the nation's history. The long-forgotten Pictish stone was rediscovered in a remote Christian burial ground in Caithness.
Thought to have been used as a grave marker in more recent times, the Ulbster 2 Pictish Stone has now been restored and is on public display at the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso.
Unveiled on Friday, June 13, the decorated pillar was formally revealed by Lord Thurso, who has generously loaned the artefact to High Life Highland, which operates the centre.
The new find joins the original Ulbster Stone, discovered 250 years ago, in the centre's Stone Room, offering visitors a deeper glimpse into the Pictish period, which spanned from 300 to 900AD.
Lord Thurso said: 'When my ancestor moved the Ulbster Stone to Thurso Castle he had no idea of its historical importance.
"Today, thanks to the excellent work of all involved a sister stone has been recovered and restored which adds to the greater understanding we now have of these amazing artefacts and helps to enhance the collection in the North Coast Visitor Centre. I congratulate everyone who contributed to this great success.'
The Ulbster 2 Stone is a significant example of early Pictish art, classified as a Class 1 stone due to its lack of overt Christian symbols. Experts believe it dates from the 6th to 8th century.
Though weathered by time, it still clearly features distinct Pictish symbols including a double disc and z-rod, a mirror and a comb, motifs whose meanings continue to intrigue archaeologists and historians.
Discovered lying flat in a line of unmarked gravestones at St Martin's Burial Ground in Ulbster, just south of Wick, the stone was initially spotted by Fiona Begg Wade in 2022 as she was clearing the site where several of her relatives are buried.
Thanks to the efforts of Yarrows Heritage SCIO and support from the local landowner, the stone was successfully recovered and conserved.
Roland Spencer-Jones, Chair of Yarrows Heritage, praised the collaborative effort: 'This is an important day for Caithness archaeology, when another newly discovered Pictish stone gets added to the stunning collection of Pictish art already in the North Coast Visitor Centre. We are grateful to all our funders in providing the money to rescue this stone and allow it to be displayed in the museum.'
In contrast to the original Ulbster Stone, which features carvings on both sides, the Ulbster 2 Stone is decorated on one face only. The addition of the stone to the collection is expected to help shed further light on the lives, beliefs and symbols of the Pictish people who once inhabited the far north of Scotland.
Funding for the recovery and conservation came from a wide range of supporters, including Historic Environment Scotland, The Highland Council, Nuclear Restoration Services at Dounreay, the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund, the Lybster and Tannach Fund and the Pictish Arts Society.
Conservation was carried out by Graciela Ainsworth of Edinburgh, with mounting work in the museum completed by Norbloc Construction Ltd of Halkirk.
Attending the ceremony was Highland Council Leader and Caithness councillor Raymond Bremner, who praised the stone's significance for both local identity and wider Scottish heritage.
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'Today marks a profound moment in the cultural life of Caithness and the wider Highlands,' he said. 'It's a fantastic find by someone in the local area where I live, and the Mausoleum and its history has always been of interest locally and in the wider area.
'The unveiling of this Pictish Stone reconnects us with the artistry, and enduring legacy of the Picts, an ancient people whose stories are etched in stone and woven into the fabric of our landscape.
'This monument is not only a tribute to our rich heritage but a beacon for future generations to explore, cherish, and preserve the mysteries of our past.
"It connects us to the beliefs and identity of the Picts, a people whose legacy still shapes the cultural landscape of Scotland. We are proud to share this remarkable piece of our heritage with the communities and visitors to our area from all over the world.'
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