Notice of a Sculptured Stone at Strathmartine, near Dundee

Adam H Millar
1884 Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland  
The sculptured stone at Strathmartine to which I wish especially to refer, is figured in the first volume of Dr Stuart's Sculptured Stones of Scotland, plate Ixxvii. As the representation there given is not very accurate, and the locale, as described by Dr Stuart, has been altered, I have thought it advisable to have an exact sketch made of this interesting stone, and would now place on record its present situation for the guidance of future inquirers. Writing in 1856, Dr Stuart thus refers to
more » ... he Strathmartine Stone:-" The fragment at Strathmartine stands by the side of the public road, opposite to the gate of the old churchyard of St Martin." As the wall against which the stone was laid had to be reconstructed some years ago, this relic was carefully conveyed by the proprietor, John Grant, Esq. of Craig Mills, to a place of safety within the gate leading to his grounds. Here it has been erected in an upright position, and securely bolted to the wall, so as to prevent two weather cracks from spreading and destroying the whole stone. From the sketch (see woodcut) made by Mr David Small of Glasgow, the style of ornamentation will be readily seen. The two serpents, carved in high relief in the centre of the panel, are placed in a position quite unique, so far, as I can discover, and seem to be rather decorative VOL. XVIII. O
doi:10.9750/psas.018.209.211 fatcat:52bgcwmczbal3li2be7aamqr6i