PICTURES: See the new Skinnet cross-slab replica being put in place in Halkirk
A replica Pictish stone that has been painstakingly carved over the last 12 months was put in place earlier this week.
The Skinnet Cross was re-created by sculptor David McGovern at his workshop in Angus.
The three-year project was led by the Northern Pilgrims Way, a volunteer group which has re-established the medieval pilgrimage route from Tain to Kirkwall.
Now the stone has been installed at Halkirk – with local construction firm Norbloc donating the cost of preparing the foundations for the stone and placing it in the foundations – where a dedication ceremony is taking place today, May 10.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the event and see the stone for themselves.
The original Skinnet Cross, a ninth-century Pictish cross-slab discovered on Skinnet Farm, is now housed in the North Coast Visitor Centre in Thurso. It was badly damaged and eroded when it was discovered at St Thomas Chapel in 1861.
The new stone was erected by workers at Norbloc Construction.
Business director Trish Bremner said: “We were contacted some time back to ask about erecting the stone once it was complete.
“As it was to be sited In Halkirk we were happy to support the project in any way we could.
“We therefore agreed to pick up the finished stone from the stone carver in Angus and to see to its installation in Morrison Park.
“The weather was favourable on Monday for lowering it into place.
“The fixing of the stone was fairly standard detail but it is an unusual project for us to put a replica Pictish stone in situ.”
The 2.7m-tall monument will be unveiled at Morrison Park in Halkirk on Saturday, May 10, at 11.30am. The dedication will be undertaken by Bishop Mark Strange, the Episcopal Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness. Lord Thurso will cut the ribbon.
