A Pictish carved stone discovered in 2022 at a burial ground in Ulbster, in northern Scotland, is now on public display following its recovery and conservation. Known as the Ulbster 2 Stone, the artefact is the latest addition to the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso, where it joins the original Ulbster Stone—first recorded in 1770.
The Ulbster 2 Stone was found lying flat among other grave markers at St Martin’s Burial Ground, a remote Christian site near Wick in Caithness. It had likely been reused as a later grave marker, with only one face bearing decoration. Though weathered, several classic Pictish symbols—including a double disc and Z-rod, mirror, and comb—are still visible.
Photo by Angus MacKay / High Life Highland
The stone was unveiled at a ceremony on last week, attended by local officials, archaeologists, and members of the public. The unveiling was led by John Sinclair, the 3rd Viscount Thurso, a former Member of Parliament and current chair of VisitScotland. His family has historical ties to the area: one of his ancestors relocated the original Ulbster Stone to Thurso Castle in the 18th century.
“When my ancestor moved the Ulbster Stone to Thurso Castle he had no idea of its historical importance,” Lord Thurso said. “Today, thanks to the excellent work of all involved, a sister stone has been recovered and restored which adds to the greater understanding we now have of these amazing artefacts.”
The recovery was made possible through the efforts of local heritage group Yarrows Heritage SCIO, following a tip-off by Fiona Begg Wade, who noticed the carved markings while tending the burial ground where some of her relatives are buried. The organisation secured funding to preserve the stone, with conservation work carried out by Graciela Ainsworth Conservation in Edinburgh.
As a Class 1 Pictish stone, the Ulbster 2 Stone dates between the 6th and 8th centuries, before Christian symbols began to appear on Pictish carvings. Class 1 stones are among the earliest examples of Pictish sculpture and remain a subject of ongoing archaeological research.
“This is an important day for Caithness archaeology,” said Roland Spencer-Jones, Chair of Yarrows Heritage. “We are grateful to all our funders for providing the money to rescue this stone and allow it to be displayed in the museum.”
Dr Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, highlighted the importance of preserving heritage locally: “Yarrows Heritage have safeguarded this important artefact through working with stone conservators and local curators and have ensured the local community will benefit from the stone and the story it can help to tell.”
The Ulbster 2 Stone is now on permanent display in the Stone Room of the North Coast Visitor Centre, beside the first Ulbster Stone. Together, the two carvings offer visitors a deeper understanding of the Pictish presence in Caithness, which spanned from roughly AD 300 to 900.
Raymond Bremner, Leader of The Highland Council and a Caithness councillor, said the unveiling marked “a profound moment in the cultural life of Caithness and the wider Highlands. It’s a fantastic find by someone in the local area where I live, and the Mausoleum and its history has always been of interest locally and in the wider area. The unveiling of this Pictish Stone reconnects us with the artistry, and enduring legacy of the Picts – an ancient people whose stories are etched in stone and woven into the fabric of our landscape.
“This monument is not only a tribute to our rich heritage but a beacon for future generations to explore, cherish, and preserve the mysteries of our past. It connects us to the beliefs and identity of the Picts, a people whose legacy still shapes the cultural landscape of Scotland. We are proud to share this remarkable piece of our heritage with the communities and visitors to our area from all over the world.”
A Pictish carved stone discovered in 2022 at a burial ground in Ulbster, in northern Scotland, is now on public display following its recovery and conservation. Known as the Ulbster 2 Stone, the artefact is the latest addition to the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso, where it joins the original Ulbster Stone—first recorded in 1770.
The Ulbster 2 Stone was found lying flat among other grave markers at St Martin’s Burial Ground, a remote Christian site near Wick in Caithness. It had likely been reused as a later grave marker, with only one face bearing decoration. Though weathered, several classic Pictish symbols—including a double disc and Z-rod, mirror, and comb—are still visible.
The stone was unveiled at a ceremony on last week, attended by local officials, archaeologists, and members of the public. The unveiling was led by John Sinclair, the 3rd Viscount Thurso, a former Member of Parliament and current chair of VisitScotland. His family has historical ties to the area: one of his ancestors relocated the original Ulbster Stone to Thurso Castle in the 18th century.
“When my ancestor moved the Ulbster Stone to Thurso Castle he had no idea of its historical importance,” Lord Thurso said. “Today, thanks to the excellent work of all involved, a sister stone has been recovered and restored which adds to the greater understanding we now have of these amazing artefacts.”
The recovery was made possible through the efforts of local heritage group Yarrows Heritage SCIO, following a tip-off by Fiona Begg Wade, who noticed the carved markings while tending the burial ground where some of her relatives are buried. The organisation secured funding to preserve the stone, with conservation work carried out by Graciela Ainsworth Conservation in Edinburgh.
As a Class 1 Pictish stone, the Ulbster 2 Stone dates between the 6th and 8th centuries, before Christian symbols began to appear on Pictish carvings. Class 1 stones are among the earliest examples of Pictish sculpture and remain a subject of ongoing archaeological research.
“This is an important day for Caithness archaeology,” said Roland Spencer-Jones, Chair of Yarrows Heritage. “We are grateful to all our funders for providing the money to rescue this stone and allow it to be displayed in the museum.”
The project received support from multiple organisations, including Historic Environment Scotland, The Highland Council, Nuclear Restoration Services at Dounreay, the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund, the Lybster and Tannach Fund, and the Pictish Arts Society.
Dr Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at Historic Environment Scotland, highlighted the importance of preserving heritage locally: “Yarrows Heritage have safeguarded this important artefact through working with stone conservators and local curators and have ensured the local community will benefit from the stone and the story it can help to tell.”
The Ulbster 2 Stone is now on permanent display in the Stone Room of the North Coast Visitor Centre, beside the first Ulbster Stone. Together, the two carvings offer visitors a deeper understanding of the Pictish presence in Caithness, which spanned from roughly AD 300 to 900.
Raymond Bremner, Leader of The Highland Council and a Caithness councillor, said the unveiling marked “a profound moment in the cultural life of Caithness and the wider Highlands. It’s a fantastic find by someone in the local area where I live, and the Mausoleum and its history has always been of interest locally and in the wider area. The unveiling of this Pictish Stone reconnects us with the artistry, and enduring legacy of the Picts – an ancient people whose stories are etched in stone and woven into the fabric of our landscape.
“This monument is not only a tribute to our rich heritage but a beacon for future generations to explore, cherish, and preserve the mysteries of our past. It connects us to the beliefs and identity of the Picts, a people whose legacy still shapes the cultural landscape of Scotland. We are proud to share this remarkable piece of our heritage with the communities and visitors to our area from all over the world.”
If you are interested in seeing this Pictish Stone, please visit the North Coast Visitor Centre – High Life Highland website.
Top Image: Photo by Angus MacKay / High Life Highland
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