There is a fundraising campaign for the recently excavated Pictish Stone uncovered  a field near Aberlemno in Angus in February.

Aberdeen  University archaeologists have teamed up with the Pictish Arts Society for the crowdfunding initiative to allow conservators to clean the stone, remove biological growth and fill the open joints of one side of the stone where natural bedding plans provide weaknesses that may delaminate over time.

John Borland, Chair of the Pictish Arts Society said:

“The discovery of any new Pictish sculpture is always cause for excitement – even more so if it has rare or unusual features. 

“The new Aberlemno stone has just that.  One set of symbols – a crescent & V-rod and double-disc & Z-rod, accompanied by a mirror & comb – overlies an earlier set featuring a triple oval and a very large V-rod, apparently on its own and unusually set on its side.

“This stone has an unusual story to tell and the Pictish Arts Society is delighted to be working with Professor Noble to secure its future.”

It is hoped to be able to eventually display the stone outdoors close to where it was found.

Professor Gordon Noble from the University of Aberdeen led the excavations, explained:

“Our hope is that the stone can be displayed outdoors to maximise opportunities to see it but this will depend on condition of the stone once conservation work has taken place.

“Another option would be to work with museum and curatorial bodies to identify a suitable indoor location.

“The 1.7metre long Aberlemno stone is a truly remarkable find which could make a significant contribution to understanding the significance of Aberlemno to the Picts.

“It has multiple Pictish symbols on it including a mirror, comb, double-disc and Z-Rod, Crescent and V-rod and triple ovals, part of a symbolic system that the Picts may have used to represent the identities of powerful rulers or individuals of status.”

You can contribute to the fundraiser here: Save the Aberlemno Stone!