A remarkable piece of Scotland’s ancient history has found pride of place in the North Coast Visitor Centre, offering visitors a fresh glimpse into the mysterious world of the Picts.
The Ulbster 2 Pictish Stone, once lying forgotten in a remote Christian burial ground in Caithness, has been recovered, restored and carefully unveiled in its new home.
The decorated stone now stands alongside the original Ulbster Stone, which was discovered more than two centuries ago, forming a captivating pair in the museum’s Stone Room.
The Pictish period, spanning roughly from AD 300 to AD 900, remains one of the most intriguing chapters in Scotland’s story.
These stones, etched with enigmatic symbols, offer rare insights into a people whose legacy still whispers through the northern landscapes.
The rescue of the Ulbster 2 stone has been a true community effort.
Its discovery was first brought to light in 2022 by Fiona Begg Wade, who stumbled across it while tending to St Martin’s Burial Ground at Ulbster, just south of Wick.
The stone had been lying flat among plainer grave markers, possibly repurposed in later years as a simple gravestone.
Unlike its predecessor, which is richly decorated on both sides, this newly discovered stone carries carvings on one face only.
Though weathered by centuries of wind and rain, several distinctive Pictish motifs can still be seen.
The double disc and Z-rod, the mirror and the comb are all faintly etched into its surface, speaking softly across the ages.
Lord Thurso, whose ancestor once moved the original Ulbster Stone to Thurso Castle, performed the official unveiling.
He praised the collaborative effort that brought the stone back into the public eye and underlined its value in deepening our understanding of Pictish art and culture.
“This sister stone adds to the greater understanding we now have of these amazing artefacts and helps to enhance the collection in the North Coast Visitor Centre,” said Lord Thurso.
“I congratulate everyone who contributed to this great success.”
The project was made possible through a network of supporters, including Historic Environment Scotland, The Highland Council, Nuclear Restoration Services at Dounreay, Caithness and North Sutherland Fund, Lybster and Tannach Fund and the Pictish Arts Society.
Specialist conservator Graciela Ainsworth of Edinburgh handled the delicate conservation work, while Norbloc Construction of Halkirk carried out the installation.
Roland Spencer-Jones, Chair of Yarrows Heritage SCIO, which played a vital role in the stone’s recovery, expressed his pride in seeing it join the growing collection.
“This is an important day for Caithness archaeology,” he said.
“We are grateful to all our funders for making this possible.”
The significance of the moment was not lost on local leaders.
Councillor Raymond Bremner, Leader of The Highland Council and Caithness Councillor, spoke warmly of the stone’s power to connect past and present.
“This monument is not only a tribute to our rich heritage but a beacon for future generations to explore, cherish and preserve,” he said.
“It reconnects us with the artistry and enduring legacy of the Picts, whose stories are etched in stone and woven into our landscape.”
Dave Wilson, managing director at NRS Dounreay, reflected on the shared purpose of preserving the past.
“We are in the business of retrieving the past to make it safe for the future, and I’m delighted we can help the visitor centre do the same with a long-lost legacy of previous generations.”
Caithness remains a treasure trove of prehistoric wonders, from brochs and cairns to standing stones and ruined castles.
The arrival of the Ulbster 2 Pictish Stone adds yet another jewel to this rich tapestry.
