The Balluderon Stone Martin's Stone | |
Material: | Old Red Sandstone |
Size: | 2m (07feet) |
Location: | Balluderon, Angus |
Classification: | Class II cross slab |
Symbols: | Celtic cross (fragmentary) Mounted figures Serpent and z-rod Pictish beast |
The Balluderon Stone, otherwise known as Martin's Stone is a class II Pictish cross slab in situ at Balluderon, Angus, Scotland.
A slab of Old Red Sandstone, the cross slab is situated in a field and protected by iron fencing. The slab, of which only the lower half remains, bears the remnants of a Celtic cross, two mounted riders, a serpent and z-rod symbol and a Pictish beast design. Local tradition associates the slab with the Legend of the Nine Maidens who were devoured by a dragon which was subsequently slain by a hero named Martin. Folk etymology names this as the origin of Strathmartine, the valley in which the slab stands.