Painted pebbles in early Scotland

Abstract

Pebbles with simple but carefully-painted designs are unique to Caithness and the Northern Isles between 3rd and 8th centuries AD. Their apparent connection with Pictish culture is supported by some sharing of motifs with the repertoire of the Pictish symbol stones. They may be charm stones like those known from medieval sources and folklore; the Life of St Columba also contains a reference to a healing stone.