A long forgotten Pictish stone, which was likely being used as a grave marker in a remote Christian burial ground in Caithness, has been recovered and restored, and is now on display at the North Coast Visitor Centre thanks to the local landowner and heritage volunteers.
The Ulbster 2 Pictish Stone joins the original Ulbster Stone – which was discovered 250 years earlier – in the visitor centre’s Stone Room giving an insight into the Pictish period, which was around 1,700 years ago from AD 300 to AD 900.
Having been carefully rescued, the decorated pillar was unveiled within the Stone Room of the North Coast Visitor Centre this afternoon (Friday 13 June) by Lord Thurso who has kindly loaned the artefact to High Life Highland who run the centre and museum.
Gathered guests included Yarrows Heritage SCIO who have been instrumental in the research and recovery of the stone from St Martin’s Burial Ground at Ulbster, just south of Wick, and Fiona Begg Wade who alerted archaeologists in 2022 when she was clearing up the burial ground, where some of her relatives are buried.
The stone was found lying horizontally on the ground, in a line with other plain stones, probably being used as a grave marker in more recent times. The stone is decorated on one face only, in contrast to the other Ulbster Stone on display which has two decorated faces. The surface of this more recent find is much weathered but several typical Pictish symbols – the double disc and z-rod, the mirror, and the comb – can all be made out.
Roland Spencer-Jones, Chair of Yarrows Heritage said: “This is an important day for Caithness archaeology, when another newly discovered Pictish stone gets added to the stunning collection of Pictish art already in the North Coast Visitor Centre. We are grateful to all our funders in providing the money to rescue this stone and allow it to be displayed in the museum.” 
Lord Thurso commented: “When my ancestor moved the Ulbster Stone to Thurso Castle he had no idea of its historical importance. 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 and helps to enhance the collection in the North Coast Visitor Centre. I congratulate everyone who contributed to this great success.”
Funding to ensure the conservation of the Ulbster 2 Pictish Stone has come from a variety of sources 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. The stone was conserved by Graciela Ainsworth of Edinburgh and mounted within the North Coast Visitor Centre Stone Room by Norbloc Construction Ltd, Halkirk.
Attending today’s unveiling at the North Coast Visitor Centre was Leader of The Highland Council and Caithness Councillor, Raymond Bremner. He said: “Today marks 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.”
Dave Wilson, managing director at NRS Dounreay, said: “We’re 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.”
From brochs and standing stones to cairns and castle ruins, the Caithness landscape offers an insight into the past lives of the people who lived there thousands of years ago. For more information about the North Coast Visitor Centre such as opening times and exhibitions please go here: North Coast Visitor Centre – High Life Highland
Images by Angus MacKay Photography
