Excavation work on historic Pictish stone find in Doune set to get under way

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Excavation work on a Pictish stone of potential ‘international significance’, discovered buried in a cemetery near Doune, will begin within the next fortnight.People across the Stirling area have joined forces with keen historians from around the world to fund the retrieval of the stone, which is believed to date from between the 6th and 8th Century, with a view to its ultimate restoration.Community-led Rescuers of Old Kilmadock (ROOK) discovered the Pictish artefact in Old Kilmadock Cemetery in 2019 and have since been assisted by Stirling Council archaeologist Dr Murray Cook, who will help with lifting the stone over two days later this month.After its initial discovery, the stone was quickly re-buried on site for safety purposes, but a campaign has so far raised £10,000 to fund its retrieval and storage for a further two years, allowing for an in-depth examination of the script and engravings that appear on both sides of the delicate stone.Murray Cook said: “The ROOK team found the stone by accident and it soon became clear it could be something of international significance, with engravings of animals in the Pictish tradition and what appear to be examples of Ogham script, a form of Irish writing that’s rarely found in Scotland.“The stone is very, very delicate and was re-buried to retain its structural integrity before we undertake a more detailed examination.

We’re excited to get the next stage of this discovery under way later this month.”It’s believed the stone dates from around the period of the Battle of Dun Nechtain in 685, when the Picts expelled the invading Northumbrians from the south and paved the way for the creation of Alba and, ultimately, Scotland.Most Ogham scripts on previous stones in Scotland have