Balluderon Stone, Pictish cross slab in Angus, Scotland.
The Balluderon Stone is a Pictish cross slab in Angus that stands about 2 meters tall and displays intricate carvings on red sandstone. Mounted riders, a serpent, and a Celtic cross are carved into its surface, along with numerous cup markings.
The stone was created during the early medieval period when Pictish communities made symbolic monuments that blended Christian and older religious traditions. This practice shows how different beliefs mixed during that time.
The stone connects to local tales of a dragon slayer named Martin, a figure that shaped how people named and remember the surrounding valley. These stories remain part of how visitors understand the place today.
The stone is surrounded by protective iron fencing that helps keep the archaeological site safe. Visitors can view the carvings from several angles, but it is best to stay behind the barriers to preserve the historic monument.
The eastern face bears twenty-one cup markings of varying sizes that were carefully carved into the surface by the stone's creators. These small cuplike signs give the monument a particular, puzzling quality that sets it apart.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.