Ancient Monuments

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Upper Manbeen, symbol stone

A Scheduled Monument in Heldon and Laich, Moray

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Coordinates

Latitude: 57.6012 / 57°36'4"N

Longitude: -3.3621 / 3°21'43"W

OS Eastings: 318691

OS Northings: 857613

OS Grid: NJ186576

Mapcode National: GBR L82M.LLC

Mapcode Global: WH6JL.B67P

Entry Name: Upper Manbeen, symbol stone

Scheduled Date: 16 November 1923

Last Amended: 23 February 1998

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Source ID: SM1224

Schedule Class: Cultural

Category: Crosses and carved stones: symbol stone

Location: Elgin

County: Moray

Electoral Ward: Heldon and Laich

Traditional County: Morayshire

Description

The monument consists of a symbol stone which stands in the 'Field of the Standing Stone', about 115m west of Upper Manbeen farmhouse.

The stone is nearly rectangular in shape, measuring 0.9m high, 0.53-0.61m wide and 0.18-0.35m thick. The incised symbols consist of a "fish monster" and below it a comb and mirror symbol. The initials M.H.S. and T.S.P. have been carved in more recent times at the top of the stone.

The monument was originally scheduled on 11 November 1923, but the scheduling was not properly registered at Sasines.

The area to be scheduled includes the symbol stone and a circular area around it, 10m in diameter centred on the symbol stone, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it represents a well-preserved example of a symbol stone which appears to be still in its original position. As such it contributes to an understanding of the art, material culture, society and beliefs of late Iron Age and early medieval Scotland. Its importance is enhanced by the potential of the below-ground archaeological remains that may survive in the area surrounding it to shed further light on the dating of the stone and the purpose for which it was erected.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is RCAHMS number NJ 15 NE 7.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Other nearby scheduled monuments

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