Scotland - Storms that reveal ancient secrets of Orkney

At this time of year Scotland faces the winter storms that bite into its coastline. This is true of Orkney (Scottish Gaelic: Arcaibh), an archipelago situated off the north coast of Scotland. While the erosion caused by these stormy seas combined with high tides can be a threat, they can also reveal some long held ancient secrets. Such as when recently an 8th century Pictish stone was found in an eroding cliff face in on the east Mainland coast of Orkney. Mainland is the largest island in the Orkney group. 

The Picts were a Celtic society of farmers and it seems likely that they were direct descendants of the ancient people of pre-history from the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age, who along with other Celtic peoples inhabited these lands. Although there was a decline in Pictish culture and language, the Picts never went away. They were crucial in forging Scotland and their beautiful artwork and carving can be found throughout the north and east of Scotland. 

It was following a recent storm that Dr Hugo Anderson-Whymark, an archaeologist based in Orkney, discovered an ancient carved stone projecting precariously out of the soft, cliff face. A dragon motif pointed to it being of a Pictish origin dating to 3rd-8th centuries AD. When Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA), with support from Historic Environment Scotland recovered the stone its significance became clearer. It was Pictish cross slab, probably dating from the 8th Century. The intricately carved cross flanked by a dragon or beast, with on the reverse side another Pictish beast design. 

The stone is now removed from the site and is scheduled for conservation and possible future display. The site could well now be re-evaluated with funding being sought for further work. Once again the storms had revealed one of Orkney's ancient secrets. Just as in the winter of 1850, when after a severe storm the combination of wind and some very high tides stripped the grass from a large mound, then known as "Skerrabra" and revealed one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world. The 5000 year old preserved village at Skara Brae.

 

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