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.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM350_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600003257)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises the carved stone called the Battle Stone, which stands in the middle of the lower cemetery to the south-east of Mortlach parish church. It was scheduled in 1923 but the documentation was defective: this proposal remedies this deficiency.

It is of green slate (1.8 by 0.56 m) and on its front are carved in low relief a Celtic cross, two fish and an unidentified beast, while on the reverse side are a serpent, a bull's head or bucranium, a horseman and a dog. The cemetery appears to have been laid out around the stone, which formerly stood in a field; however, since it is leaning at an angle, it does not seem to have been moved or reset when the cemetery was extended. The stone is traditionally associated with a battle said by Fordun to have been won by Malcolm II over Norwegian invaders at Mortlach in the first year of his reign (1005-6). Malcolm II is also supposed to have founded a bishopric at Mortlach in the seventh year of his reign. Fordun does not, however, mention the Battle Stone

The scheduled monument comprises the symbol stone and the ground extending for 2m around it, as indicated 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 decorated with a variety of symbols and a cross and for the insight that it gives into Late Iron Age and early Christian art, society and material culture. Its importance is enhanced by the likelihood that it stands in or near its original position, and by the existence of another symbol stone found nearby and now preserved inside the church.

References

Bibliography

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.