Scheduled Monument

Upper Manbeen, symbol stoneSM1224

Status: Designated

Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

Summary

Date Added
16/11/1923
Last Date Amended
23/02/1998
Supplementary Information Updated
05/06/2018
Type
Crosses and carved stones: symbol stone
Local Authority
Moray
Parish
Elgin
NGR
NJ 18689 57611
Coordinates
318689, 857611

Description

The monument consists of a symbol stone which stands in the 'Field of the Standing Stone', about 115m west of Upper Manbeen farmhouse.

The stone is nearly rectangular in shape, measuring 0.9m high, 0.53-0.61m wide and 0.18-0.35m thick. The incised symbols consist of a "fish monster" and below it a comb and mirror symbol. The initials M.H.S. and T.S.P. have been carved in more recent times at the top of the stone.

The monument was originally scheduled on 11 November 1923, but the scheduling was not properly registered at Sasines.

The area to be scheduled includes the symbol stone and a circular area around it, 10m in diameter centred on the symbol stone, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance because it represents a well-preserved example of a symbol stone which appears to be still in its original position. As such it contributes to an understanding of the art, material culture, society and beliefs of late Iron Age and early medieval Scotland. Its importance is enhanced by the potential of the below-ground archaeological remains that may survive in the area surrounding it to shed further light on the dating of the stone and the purpose for which it was erected.

References

Bibliography

The monument is RCAHMS number NJ 15 NE 7.

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.

Images

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Printed: 25/04/2024 16:16