Excavation work near Doune on a Pictish stone of potential “international significance” will be showcased on an upcoming BBC TV show early next year. The Old Kilmadock and its Pictish stone will be featured on the archaeology series ‘Digging for Britain!’, with the episode expected to air on Tuesday, January 14. The stone, believed to date back to between the 6th and 8th Century, was discovered in the Old Kilmadock Cemetery by the community-led Rescuers of Old Kilmadock (ROOK) in 2019.
After its initial discovery, the stone was re-buried for safety reasons, but a fundraising campaign successfully raised funds for its retrieval and storage. The stone is adorned with engravings of animals in the Pictish tradition and what appear to be examples of Ogham script, a rare form of Irish writing not commonly found in Scotland. The delicate stone is believed to date around the time of the Battle of Dun Nechtain in 685, a pivotal event in Pictish history that led to the creation of Scotland.
The discovery of potential Ogham script on the stone at Doune could signify the presence of a monastic settlement at Kilmadock over 1,300 years ago. ROOK is exploring funding options for a full restoration and stabilisation project with the goal of eventually putting the stone on public display. For more information on the project, interested parties can visit the ‘ROOK – Rescuers of Old Kilmadock’ page on Facebook.
In summary, the excavation work near Doune on the Pictish stone of historic significance has garnered attention and funding for its retrieval and potential restoration. The discovery could shed light on early monastic settlements in the region and contribute to a deeper understanding of Scotland’s ancient past. The involvement of the community and experts in preserving and studying this artefact highlights the importance of local engagement in preserving cultural heritage.