Crowdfunding campaign launched to restore Aberlemno stone

Archaeologists from the University of Aberdeen unearthed the stone from a field near Aberlemno in February.

The discovery caused much excitement and was significant as it is one of only a handful ever discovered during excavation.

The archaeologists came upon it while digging a test pit for surveys to try and build a greater understanding of the important Pictish landscape of the Aberlemno area.

The site is thought to be of great Pictish significance and is near one of the assumed sites of a battle which led to the creation of what would become Scotland - the Battle of Nechtansmere, when the Picts defeated the Northumbrians allowing a powerful Pictish overkingdom to be established.

The archaeologists have now teamed up with the Pictish Arts Society to launch a crowdfunding initiative to allow conservators to clean the stone, remove biological growth and fill the open joints of one side where weakness may occur.

They are also working with stakeholders to see if the stone could come home and be displayed outdoors close to where it was found, similar to the village's four other symbol stones.

Professor Gordon Noble, who led the excavations, said: “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 stone is a truly remarkable find which could make a significant contribution to understanding the significance of Aberlemno to the Picts.”

John Borland, Pictish Arts Society chairperson, added: "The discovery of any new Pictish sculpture is always cause for excitement - even more so if it has rare or unusual features. The new stone has just that. This stone has an unusual story to tell and the society is delighted to be working to secure its future."

Donations can be made at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/aberlemnostone​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.