Welcome to my Courtyard.

The Pictish stone to the left is the Aberlemno Stone. The symbols at the top are a) a notched rectangle, b) a "Z-rod" which some experts suggest represents a broken arrow or spear, and c) a circle with two smaller circles on each side which some researchers say may be a symbolic cauldron.

Underneath is a battle scene. On the top row, a mounted Pictish horseman is chasing a Northumbrian (identified from his helmet and nose-guard) warrior who has thrown away his helmet and sword. The two tails of the two horses are not docked, which may be an indication that they are important.

On the next row, three Pictish soldiers are attacking a Northumbrian horseman and on the third row two warroirs are charging one another while a third lies dead on the ground and a raven is picking at his head.

It is very likely that the battle being depicted is that of Dunnichen (also known as Nechtansmere), which took place on May 20, 685. King Bruide of the Picts defeated an invasion by Ecgfrith, King of Northumbria.

King Ecgfrith was an accomplished general who had previously defeated the Picts. A second victory would have expanded British territory to that part of the island, and Scotland may never have become a separate country.

This carved stone stands 7½ feet tall and is dated to around 750 AD - a hundred years after the Battle of Dunnichen. The hole near the top of the slab is a modern addition, which was cut to make it easier to move - obviously before such historical monuments were considered part of a country's national treasure.

Source: Rampant Scotland