Archaeologists may reveal millennium stone secrets 
Alan Radley (left) and David Murray, from Kirkdale Archeology, during their excavation. A MILLENNIUM-OLD mystery may soon be at a close after archaeologists began investigating a unique Pictish stone near Glamis.
A specialist team from Kirkdale Archaeology has descended on the ornately carved St Orland’s stone to the north-east of the village.
It is thought the stone once marked the western edge of Forfar Loch.
If, as is thought, the stone has remained unmoved at the same site for more than 1100 years then it could provide a unique window into the past.
Most stones of its type have been moved from their original sites—destroying their link to the land and hindering the work of those trying to decipher what messages they were intended to convey.
St Orland’s stone also bares the only Pictish carving of a boat in Scotland.
Kirsty Owen, Historic Scotland cultural resources advisor for central Scotland, said, “It dates from a time when Pictish kings were encouraging their people to convert to Christianity.
“A stone like this, carved with a cross on one side and images of men and fabulous animals on the other, would have sent out a powerful message about the increasingly close relationship between Pictish kingship and Christianity.”
Historic Scotland is carrying out the project to inform its strategy for protecting the stone and for its future presentation to the public.
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http://www.thecourier.co.uk/output/2008/08/26/newsstory11868042t0.asp