Rodney's Stone

Rodney's Stone is a two-metre (6 ft 7 in) high Pictish cross slab now located close on the approach way to Brodie Castle, near Forres, Moray, Scotland. It was originally found nearby in the grounds of the old church of Dyke and Moy.

Rodney's Stone
Back face, containing the cross
Coordinates	57°35′51″N 3°42′04″W
Location

Designations
Scheduled monument
Official name	Rodney's Stone
Type	Crosses and carved stones: cross slab
Designated	16 November 1923
Reference no.	SM1226

Description

Rodney's Stone is classed as a Class II Pictish stone, meaning that it has a cross on one face, and symbols on the other. On the symbols face, at the top, are two fish monsters; below is a "Pictish Beast", and below that a double disc and Z-rod. On the cross face there is a cross and some animals.

Inscription

The stone is most notable for its inscription, which is found on both of the sides and on the cross face. It is the longest of all Pictish inscriptions, and like most Pictish inscriptions, is written in the Ogham alphabet. Much of the inscription is weathered, but it does contain the Pictish name Ethernan (a prominent Pictish saint), written as "EDDARRNON".

Status

The stone is a scheduled monument.

Gallery

• 
  Front face, containing Pictish ideograms
• 
  Some of the ogham found on the stone.

References

• Fraser, Iain, Ritchie, J.N.G., et al., Pictish Symbol Stones: An Illustrated Gazetteer, (Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, 1999)
• Jones, Duncan, A Wee Guide to The Picts, (Musselburgh, 2003)