We live in an increasingly polluted world. Acid rain has a terrible effect on our Symbol Stones. Even those made of granite are visibly fading over a few years. Symbols that have lasted for nigh on 1500 years are now in danger of disappearing completely.

(left)The Mugdrum Cross, Fife. At over 11ft high this once magnificent Class II Pictish cross clearly illustrates what pollution and weathering can do to the surface of a stone. Less than 100 years ago this stone depicted a stunning collection of Pictish symbols and designs. Today only the faintest traces remain of what was once an important monument. The Mugdrum Cross is held in Private "care". In many cases the only positive action is to remove the stones from their original position and take them indoors Replacing the stones on site with fibre-glass copies gives some sense of the role that these magnificent monuments have played in the landscape of Scotland

The fact that there is so much current activity reflects the importance of the Pictish Symbol Stones to the History and Culture of Scotland.

(left)St. Vigean's No.2, Angus. This damaged Class II cross-slab is now safely housed in St. Vigean's Museum, which maintains a fine collection of Pictish Stones gathered from the local area. Protecting the stones by taking them indoors is often the only solution for collections of stones such as these. Other collections are held at Meigle in Perthshire - The Meffan, Forfar and at Groam House, Rosemarkie, Easter Ross.

New stones are being discovered every year - in church walls - dykes - or being ploughed up in the field. Although the true meaning of the Pictish symbols still remains a mystery it is hoped that with each new discovery we will learn a little more. The current level of research into our Pictish ancestors will no doubt yield some interesting new insights into this fascinating period in Scotland's historic past.

(left)Wester Denoon, Angus. This fragment of a Pictish cross-slab was recently found near Glamis in Angus. Many new stones are discovered accidently by amateurs, in old walls and gardens etc. So stay alert and you never know what you might discover!

If you plan to visit any of the Pictish stones please remember that by taking rubbings or by chalking / charcoaling the symbols, you will damage the stones - this is to be highly discouraged. Many of the Pictish stones are now held in museum care, where many feel they lose their place in the natural landscape. It is up to us all to ensure that those that remain in the field are cared for and remain undamaged by careless abuse.

Above all . . .
Enjoy the stones . . .