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The Clach Biorach, a tall pointed standing stone inside a wooden fence in a green field, hills beyond.
Easter Ross

Clach Biorach

A tall, pointed pillar of red sandstone in a field at Edderton, first raised in prehistory and later carved by the Picts with a fish, a double disc and Z-rod.

Welcome

In a field at Edderton, on the south side of the Dornoch Firth, a slender pillar of red sandstone rises more than ten feet from the grass, narrowing to a point at its top.

Local people have always called it the Clach Biorach, the sharp stone.

It is far older than its carvings. The stone was first set up in prehistory, long before the Picts, who later chose it and cut their symbols into one face: a fish, and below it a double disc crossed by a Z-shaped rod, two of the most mysterious signs of Pictish art. Old tradition said it marked the grave of a Danish prince killed in battle nearby.

It still stands where it always has, in a working field, often among grazing cattle, so it is best admired from the edge of the field. Across the road is a small circle of stones, and Balblair distillery is just along the way.

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The Daily for 31 October, from Scotland with love. A ring of standing stones set among mist and autumn birch
A short drive awayCocoa Mountain Dornoch14 min by roadSee itCocoa Mountain Dornoch
Before you go

The stone can be seen at any time from Station Road in Edderton.

It stands in a working field, often with cattle in it, so look from the edge rather than walking in.

Where
Station Road, Edderton, IV19 1LA.
Height
Over ten feet.
Carved with
A fish, a double disc and Z-rod.

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Where it is

In a field by Station Road in Edderton, off the A836 west of Tain.

Close byEdderton.
  1. Balblair DistilleryBalblair DistilleryThe distillery just along the road.Under a mile 2 min by road
  2. Struie Hill ViewpointStruie Hill ViewpointThe lay-by on the B9176 over Struie Hill known as the Million Dollar View, looking down over the Dornoch Firth and the Kyle of Sutherland.3 miles 6 min by road
  3. Carnegie Links at Skibo CastleCarnegie Links at Skibo CastleThe 18-hole championship links of the private Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, on the Dornoch Firth.3 miles as the crow flies
  4. Copper stills line the Glenmorangie Distillery still house in rowsGlenmorangie Distillery4 miles 8 min by road
  5. Ornate lamppost beside a gravel path leading to a stone churchTain MuseumPictish stones and pilgrims in Tain.6 miles 9 min by road
  6. Hilton of Cadboll StoneHilton of Cadboll StoneA great Pictish cross-slab on the coast.14 miles 24 min by road
Directions
Restaurant tables laid with cutlery beside large windows overlooking the streetRestaurantsGreens Restaurant5.5 miles
Weathered standing stone against a sandstone wall behind green railingsAttractionsArdjachie Stone5.5 miles
Sandstone station building with blue "Platform 1904" sign above the entranceRestaurantsPlatform 18645.6 miles
Single-storey clubhouse with terrace tables, rockery garden and lawn under grey skiesAttractionsTain Golf Club5.9 miles
Stone building with arched windows bearing the sign Cocoa Mountain, blue picnic table outsideCafeCocoa Mountain Dornoch9.4 miles
Ivy climbs a turreted stone tower beside a slate-roofed manor houseRestaurantsDornoch Castle Hotel9.4 miles
Sandstone church with pointed arch window, framed by autumn trees and gatepostsAttractionsDornoch Cathedral9.4 miles
Wooden sign reading "milk & honey" mounted on a sandstone buildingCafeMilk & Honey9.4 miles
Sandstone terraced houses and shopfronts line a leaf-strewn streetAttractionsDornoch Town9.5 miles

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the stone, and when each is next free.

A grand stone mansion glows with lit windows at dusk, bare autumn branches framing the facade.Links House at Royal Dornoch
  • To stay
  • In Dornoch
  • 6 miles from the Clach Biorach
Check datesA long sandstone steading with a conical-roofed tower at its centre stands beyond a field of young crops, trees framing it on either side in evening light.Newhall Mains
  • To stay
  • In Balblair
  • 12 miles from the Clach Biorach
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in Easter RossAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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