Rhynie Pictish Stones

Aug 19
2 min read

Nestled in the quiet village of Rhynie in Aberdeenshire, a remarkable collection of carved stones tells tales from over 1,000 years ago. These are the Rhynie Pictish Stones—mysterious monuments left behind by the Picts, a powerful and artistic people who lived in Scotland long before castles and kilts.

Highlights

Three Carved Stones at Rhynie Churchyard:
- One Class I stone (pink granite) with a beast, comb, and curving symbol.
- Two Class II stones (whinstone and red granite) featuring double discs, Z-rods, crescents, mirrors, and combs.
The Craw Stone: A tall standing stone (1.8m) in a nearby field, possibly marking a ceremonial or royal site.
Rhynie Man: A separate stone depicting a bearded figure with an axe—now housed at Aberdeenshire Council HQ in Aberdeen.
Village Green Stones: Two weathered stones at the west end of the village square, one showing a man, the other a double disc.

Practical Information

Access: Turn east off the A97 at the south end of Rhynie. Follow the narrow track downhill for about ⅓ mile to reach the churchyard car park.
Parking: Available at the churchyard, but not suitable for coaches or large buses

Tips for visitors

Churchyard Stones: Open 24 hours—ideal for flexible visits.
Best Time to Visit: Daylight hours for visibility and safety. Early morning or late afternoon offers soft light for photography

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Ferghas' Adventures

Ferghas the Highland coo trotted into Rhynie, drawn to a quiet alcove near the old graveyard. Inside, three ancient stones rested, carved with strange symbols—beasts, mirrors, and zig-zags.

As Ferghas leaned closer, one stone shimmered. A ghostly figure rose—a bearded warrior holding an axe!

“I am Rhynie Man,” he said gently. “These stones remember. But if you seek more whispers, travel to Tomnaverie…”

With a swirl of mist, the warrior vanished.

Ferghas blinked, heart thumping. “Tomnaverie? Another mystery awaits!”

And off he trotted, ready for the next adventure