The first new-design Pictish stone to be installed in Angus in over a thousand years was unveiled at a special ceremony in St Vigeans on Saturday.
Commissioned by Arbroath 2020 as part of the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath celebrations, the two-sided public artwork was carved by artist David McGovern and inspired by the substantial collection of early medieval stones in the village.
The piece is carved in the Pictish cross-slab tradition and incorporates contemporary design.
Mr McGovern highlighted the historic importance of St Vigeans and said he wanted the stone to fit into the medieval landscape of the area.
He said: “I also want it to challenge the viewer to think about the early Christian foundation, the dedication to an Irish saint, the purpose of the St Vigeans Pictish stones and the roles that saints played in people’s lives.”
The work includes a carved otter as a tribute to St Vigeans Conservation Network leader Ralph Coutts who passed away suddenly earlier this year and had been involved in the project.
The stone was unveiled by lockdown litter hero, nine-year-old Lily Souter from Arbroath, who has raised more than £2,000 for the conservation group.
Mr McGovern also called for the introduction of an Angus ‘Pilgrim’s Trail’ to explore the county’s medieval past.
He said: “Angus is studded with churches with early foundations and associations with early medieval saints.
“I think people are looking for meaningful travel and Angus is in a unique position to provide an experience full of history and meaning.”
The artist added that having St Vigeans on the trail could help create demand to increase opening of the sculptured stones museum in the village which he described as “European standard”.
Angus SNP MP, Dave Doogan described the stone as “an outstanding contribution to what is an already amazing corner of Angus” and said the Pilgrim’s Trail proposal is “an interesting opportunity that should be explored, with partnership working the way forward.”
The project is part of the Arbroath 2020 celebrations which have been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandamic.
Pippa Martin of the Angus Place Partnership, said planning was well underway to reshape the extensive programme of cultural and community events for Arbroath which will be held next year.
This new monument will form part of an on-going series of new Pictish sculptural artworks by Mr McGovern to be erected around Scotland.
