Ross and Cromarty is renowned for its varied landscapes - hills and lochs, rocky shores and small villages. Every area has its own character and the Seaboard Villages are no exception. They are locally famous for their sandy beaches, harbours and the Picts.
Long before the Scots, Vikings or English discovered this far flung corner of Easter Ross, it was the homeland of one of the tribes of the Picts. Fifteen hundred years ago, Pictland extended from the Northern Isles to just north of the central belt of Scotland.These Picts farmed, hunted and fought between themselves over the fertile land and lochs of Caledonia. Craftsmen produced superb sculpture and metalwork, jewellery and weapons. They went to war for their king against neighbouring states, such as the Angles of Deira and the Irish of Dalriada. Gradually, between 600 and 800AD, most of the Picts were converted to Christianity. The Pictish Trail looks at the magnificent slabs that were commissioned to celebrate the power of the Picts and their faith.
Today the Picts are acclaimed for their carved stones. The earlier, 6th/7th century, incised boulders bear geometric and animal symbols, like crescents and discs, eagle and fish. Stones with these symbols have been found in Ross-shire. Objects are also shown, such as mirror and comb, cauldron and tongs. What functions these stones had and what the symbols meant can only be guessed at.The trail concentrates on the later, 8th century stone cross-slabs. They are carved in relief on both faces and also have symbols on them. But they are not alone. The Pictish symbols are accompanied by Christian motifs.
Most obviously there is a cross. There are also scenes from the Bible. Even the animal-like patterns have more than a simple artistic meaning. On some of the sculptures the Picts themselves are shown. These carved 'cros-slabs' are amongst the best 8th century sculpture in Western europe.
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