Hidden Scotland
Sign in
Old gravestones in the round kirkyard at Tullich among trees, the ruined kirk wall behind.
Aberdeenshire

Tullich Kirkyard and its carved stones

Twenty-seven early carved stones in the old kirkyard at Tullich, east of Ballater.

Visit website
Welcome

Tullich lies just east of Ballater on the north Deeside road.

The old kirk stands ruined inside its round kirkyard, and around it and within it twenty-seven carved stones and a stone font have been found.

Most are simple slabs incised with crosses in different forms, the grave markers and prayer stones of an early Christian community. Among them is one Class I Pictish symbol stone, from before the coming of Christianity, and a few ornate fragments that may be later still. Several are gathered in a protective shelter on the site, and others remain where they were set, inside the church walls. Two more are on display at the old station in Ballater.

The hills rise behind it and the Dee runs below. Stop on the way into or out of Ballater, or walk out from the village.

A short drive awayLunch and a Wander in BallaterThe road west follows the River Dee closely now, with woodland and heather rising on either side.4 min by roadSee itThe Albert Memorial Hall, with a red telephone box outside its turreted stone facade
Before you go

By the road just east of Ballater.

Free at any time.

Where
Tullich, east of Ballater.
Where it is

Ballater.

Close byAround Ballater.
  1. The Strong Water CoThe Strong Water Co2 miles3 min by road
  2. ÖSLEY's granite front on Bridge Street, Ballater, a navy sign above the door.ÖSLEY2 miles4 min by road
  3. Cappuccino and sliced cake on a wooden table in a caféBridge House CaféA family-run café on Bridge Street in Ballater for brunch, lunch, deli items and home bakes, open Thursday to Monday, and friendly to dogs.2 miles3 min by road
  4. Fish Shop Restaurant, AberdeenshireFish Shop Restaurant2 miles4 min by road
  5. The granite front of the Deeside Deli on Bridge Street, Ballater, flowers hanging by its windows.Deeside Deli & Garden ShopA family deli in Ballater with a cheese counter and a Royal Warrant.2 miles4 min by road
Directions
The Albert Memorial Hall, with a red telephone box outside its turreted stone facadeRestaurantsLunch and a Wander in Ballater1.8 miles
Stone arched bridge crossing a river below forested hills in autumnAttractionsBallater1.9 miles
The Balmoral Arms' dining room, dark walls hung with pictures above tartan banquettes.RestaurantsBalmoral Arms1.9 miles
Ballater Golf Course, AberdeenshireAttractionsBallater Golf Course2.1 miles
Cambus O'May Suspension Bridge, AberdeenshireAttractionsCambus o’ May Suspension Bridge2.3 miles
Darroch Learg, AberdeenshireBallaterDarroch LeargPlace to stay · 2.5 miles
Knock Castle, AberdeenshireAttractionsKnock Castle3.5 miles
Burn O’Vat, AboyneAttractionsBurn o’ Vat4.2 miles
Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, AboyneAttractionsMuir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve4.2 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near Tullich Kirkyard and its carved stones, and when each is next free.

Darroch Learg, AberdeenshireDarroch Learg
  • A hotel
  • In Ballater
  • 2 miles from Tullich Kirkyard and its carved stones
Check datesInverenzie Cottage, AberdeenshireInverenzie Cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Ballater
  • 4 miles from Tullich Kirkyard and its carved stones
Free 24–26 OctTwo grey linen sofas face each other across a dark wooden coffee table, checked roman blinds at the windows and a framed landscape print on the wall.Old School Cottage
  • Sleeps 7
  • In Aberdeenshire
  • 6 miles from Tullich Kirkyard and its carved stones
Free 17–19 OctA wooden table and chairs with green cushions stand on a stone patio beside a gabled stone house, a lawn stretching in front.Laggan Cottage
  • Sleeps 8
  • In Aberdeenshire
  • 6 miles from Tullich Kirkyard and its carved stones
Free 18–20 OctPlaces to stayEvery stay in AberdeenshireAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
Hidden Scotland, the magazine

Scotland, in print.

Every photograph commissioned, every word written by somebody who went. Printed twice a year, made in Scotland.

Get Issue 13Read it here
Find out more

For further reading, before you go.