Aberlemno work begins to unlock more secrets of 1,200-year-old Angus Pictish stone

Archaeologists have begun work which could give a new insight into the origins of a 1,200-year-old Angus standing stone.

The monument in the village of Aberlemno is regarded as one of Scotland’s finest Pictish cross slabs. But the two-tonne stone fell during a storm in March 2025. It was removed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to assess the full extent of the damage.

While conservators continue their work on the cross slab, archaeologists from HES have arrived back in Angus.

The next stage of the project is to excavate the Aberlemno III collar stone at its roadside site in the village between Forfar and Brechin. The collar stone functioned as a socket for the large slab.

Through the excavation, HES and contractor AOC Archaeology hope to learn more about the original location of Aberlemno III.

Last year, conservators made the exciting discovery of previously unseen carvings on Aberlemno III.

Those had been protected over the centuries within the collar stone. Further hidden carvings may be revealed on the last section, which remains embedded within the collar stone.

Once excavated, the collar stone and embedded segment will also be taken to Edinburgh. Those will undergo analysis and conservation to aid its long-term future.

HES hopes it will also shine further light on the stone’s history.

Senior advisor Stefan North-Sagrott said:

“One of the questions we hope to answer is whether Aberlemno III has been in the same location since it was first erected twelve hundred years ago, or if it was moved and re-erected alongside the other three stones.

“Due to the space necessary to undertake the excavation safely, we’re unfortunately unable to facilitate public access to view the work.

“We know how significant Aberlemno III is for the local community, and we’re grateful for their patience and support during the excavation.”

HES said it will continue to provide updates on the work around Aberlemno III.

It is one of four Pictish carved stones from the village and dates to the late first millennium AD.

The carved stone stands at 2.8m tall and is one of the finest Class II Pictish cross slabs in the country.

This article appeared in the Courier on 8 July 2026