Nigg Cross Slab

Our exploration of Cross slabs in the Tarbat Peninsular area culminated with the wondrous Nigg Cross slab which dates from around the 8th century and is one of Scotland's greatest art treasures. It is preserved in Nigg Old Church (extra) situated on what has probably been a site of Christian worship for at least 1,200 years.This Class 2 Pictish stone bears a great Cross against a background of intricate snake bosses.The pediment above the Cross has carvings which are usually taken to represent St Paul and St Anthony bowing down to receive the host which is delivered by a raven. The chalice is guarded by two crouched animals. The reverse is badly weathered and shows and Eagle and Pictish beast beneath which David opening the jaws of a lion.

This magnificent stone shows an extraordinary level of workmanship in carvings which are similar to the designs appearing in the Book of Kells. It was stood  in the churchyard until 1727 when it was blown down in a gale, broken and badly reconstructed  but was expertly conserved in recent years when fragments, including one found in the nearby burn in 1998 were correctly repositioned.