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  • 21 Aug, 2019

  • By, Wikipedia

Balluderon Stone

56°31′34″N 3°01′04″W / 56.5261°N 3.0179°W / 56.5261; -3.0179

The Balluderon Stone
Martin's Stone
The Balluderon Stone
MaterialOld Red Sandstone
Size2 metres (6.6 ft)
SymbolsCeltic cross (fragmentary)
Mounted figures
Serpent and z-rod
Pictish beast
Present locationBalluderon, Angus
ClassificationClass II cross slab

The Balluderon Stone, otherwise known as Martin's Stone is a class II Pictish cross slab in situ at Balluderon, Angus, Scotland.

Description

A slab of Old Red Sandstone, the cross slab is situated in a field and protected by iron fencing. The slab, of which only the lower half remains, bears the remnants of a Celtic cross, two mounted riders, a serpent and z-rod symbol and a Pictish beast design. Local tradition associates the slab with the Legend of the Nine Maidens who were devoured by a dragon which was subsequently slain by a hero named Martin. Folk etymology names this as the origin of Strathmartine, the valley in which the slab stands.

References

  1. ^ Fraser, Iain (2008), The Pictish Symbol Stones of Scotland, Edinburgh: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland