Burness (possible)
This possible Class I symbol stone was found during the excavation of a broch.
The stone, measuring around 0.2m tall by 1.02m wide and 0.03m thick, was found in 1922 when the broch mound was being quarried for stone. It is carved with a small human figure in profile, around 0.06m tall, facing left and wearing a cloak. Two or three curls around the head area may represent an intended elaborate hairstyle or a hood. In front of the figure is a lightly-incised symbol which has been interpreted as a possible boat.
It isn’t clear if the carving is Pictish or later in date, and it has been suggested that it was carved with a knife while the stone was built horizontally into a wall.
The stone was donated to National Museum of Scotland in 1922 with the accession number X.IB.201.
Alternative names for Burness
Chapel Knowe
Where is Burness?
Burness is in the parish of Firth and the county of Orkney.
Grid reference: HY 3882 1557
Lat / long: 59.022829, -3.067237
OS Map for Burness
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Weather at Burness
max 11°C / min 11°C
997mb
87%
75%
05:55 18:14
Broken clouds
Weather observed at Orkney Islands at 14:17
