Dupplin Cross (St Serf’s Church, Dunning)

NO 019145   58   HS   PH2 0RG

In St Serf’s Church, Dunning, on B8052, 5 miles E of Auchterarder, Perthshire

www.historicenvironment.scot

The Dupplin Cross, formerly standing near to the site of the ancient royal palace at Forteviot, is a free-standing cross some 2.7 metres tall and beautifully carved all over. Carved in the 9th or 10th century, the Cross carries no mysterious symbols: only interlace, knotwork, scrolled designs, animals, biblical scenes and warriors, although the quality of the carving surely comes from Pictish hands. One panel even contains a Latin inscription, recently identified as CU[...]NTIN FILIUS FIRCUS – Constantine Mac Fergus, a Pictish King (c. 789–820) who ruled jointly over both Picts and Scots. The Dupplin Cross dates comes from the very end of the Pictish period, and symbolises the beginnings of the new, unified kingdom of Scots. The cross is now housed in the tower of the historic St Serf’s Church in Dunning.

NOTE: [01764 684497] Open Apr-Oct, daily

© Martin Coventry 2018

Please note the the colour photo of the Dupplin Cross is not in the book.