This site is specifically designed to describe and discuss the stones that are traditionally accepted as Pictish. Some stones are impressive, both in size and artistic impact.
Others are insignificant, in the sense that they are small or have few symbols on them.
For instance, Martin's Stone, at Balluderon, by Dundee, which was the inspiration for this venture is only the small stub of a cross-slab. Its current state belies the fact that it must have been important in its day, because the whole district is called Strathmartine - "Martin's Plain, (or flatland)" - from when the area was still Gaelic-speaking. It also represents one of the British seats of the cult of St. Martin of Tours, in France.
As you will see, the stones themselves are only the starting points for further investigation.I intend to visit and inspect as many of these stones as I can, because there is no substitute for experiencing something for yourself. I have found that academics tend to read other academics, and if someone makes an error, it can be repeated ad infinitum. There is also the possibility of simple omission. It's there but it simply has not been noticed or recorded.
Many of the surviving stones are fragmentary or have pieces missing from them. Finding these might help the debate on the significance of the combination of the symbols. (Some people see them as heraldic devices).
I am tackling the "Problem of the Picts" from a number of angles, and if any of the research helps breathe life into these mute relics of the past, then I shall include it on the site.
The Net is open to everyone, and different people have different knowledge about different things. Who knows, you might have an insight no-one else has had. That's how we get new knowledge. So if you have an idea, why not share it? Email me at [email protected]