Richly decorated and enormous. Sueno’s Stone in eastern Scotland is one of the most impressive stones produced by the Picts.
In the early Middle Ages, eastern Scotland was the realm of the Picts. An ancient Celtic people, they developed over time into a military and cultural power on the island. And they left us evidence of their skills.
Probably the most impressive of these historical witnesses is Sueno’s Stone near Forres. At almost seven metres high, it is also the largest Pictish stone in Scotland.
And the Picts took great pains to give this stele not only size but also beauty. The front bears a large Celtic cross surrounded by Celtic knots.
Around the year 800, the Picts were already Christians with monasteries. This is clearly shown by the cross. The back, however, is less Christian. It depicts a battle scene.
It is not possible to say with certainty which battle is depicted. Scientists suspect a conflict with Vikings, who also attacked the Picts of Fortriu in eastern Scotland at that time.
Scientists have also been speculating for some time that the Pictish stones were painted in colour. A panel on the stone shows what the relief might have looked like originally.
From top to bottom, the monolith shows:
- Horsemen riding into battle
- Soldiers fighting on foot
- an object in the middle of the battle. It could be a broch, a fortress or something similar.
- Headless corpses
- a group of horsemen fleeing from infantrymen
- Headless corpses and severed heads under a bridge or tent
Some scholars now believe that the powerful Pictish kingdom of Fortriu may have been located right here in Moray – but this is not certain.
In 839, both the Picts and the warriors from Dál Riata were defeated by the Vikings. This defeat could be seen on the stone.
Whatever the stone shows, a visit to this giant is definitely worthwhile.
How to get there:
With a satnav: “IV36 3WX” will take you to the stone. It is located on Findhorn Road.
Without a sat nav: Forres is located between the cities of Inverness and Elgin on the A96 in eastern Scotland. To find the stone, drive to the roundabout that indicates Forres on the B9011. Immediately after the exit, drive along Victoria Road until Findhorn Road branches off to the right. The stone is located at the end of this road. There is usually enough space to park directly next to the stone.