Upper Manbeen Symbol Stone Elgin, Moray, Scotland, UK
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.
Scheduled Monument Description
© Crown Copyright text courtesy of Historic Environment Scotland, reprinted under the Open Government License.
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.
Scheduled Monument Statement of Significance
© Crown Copyright text courtesy of Historic Environment Scotland, reprinted under the Open Government License.
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.
Scheduled Monument References
© Crown Copyright text courtesy of Historic Environment Scotland, reprinted under the Open Government License.
The monument is RCAHMS number NJ 15 NE 7.