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One of the earliest stones from Scotland
A Viking hogbacked stone was found on a knoll (hillock) close to a medieval abbey on Inchcolm Island, in the Firth of Forth.
It was first noted in the 16th century when it was associated with a standing cross. It is very weathered and was moved into the abbey in 1993, although it has since been moved again into the Historic Environment Scotland Visitor Centre.
This example is clearly shaped like a Viking house, with a central roof ridge and beasts with muzzles and ears grasping either end. There is a cross in the centre of one side, below the roof, which boasts four lines of tiles. The other long face has a central figure grasping a staff or spear in each hand below three rows of tiles. It dates from the mid-10th century and is thought to be one of the earliest from Scotland.
