Dupplin Cross
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The Dupplin Cross is a carved, monumental Pictish stone, which dates from around 820. It was first recorded by Thomas Pennant in 1769, on a hillside in Strathearn, near Forteviot and Dunning. In 2002 it was placed in the care of Historic Scotland, and has been by St Serf's church in Dunning since that time.
The Dupplin Cross is a high cross, that is a free-standing, stone cross. While relatively common in Ireland, Northumbria and in Dál Riata, such crosses are not known earlier in the lands of the Picts. Early records report that a second cross stood on a hill above Invermay, also overlooking Forteviot, but this is now lost, and the records do not provide any detail of its exact form.
The cross is carved from Old Red Sandstone, the cross stands about 2.5 metres tall, 1 metre broad over the arms of the cross. It is carved with various scenes, religious, martial and traditional Pictish animal carvings. The cross contains a partially legible inscription, of which only the name CUSTANTIN FILIUS FIRCUS can be read. This name is taken as the Latin form of the early 9th century Pictish king Caustantín son of Fergus (fl. 793–820).
