Publication Account

Date 2007

Event ID 1019586

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Publication Account

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1019586

Inveravon (sometimes Inveraven but always pronounced Invera’n) boasts four symbol stones, three of which were found in the foundations of the former church. Inveravon 1 is a broken but complete slab bearing as so-called ‘mirror case’, an eagle, and a mirror and comb. The mirror is not of conventional form yet, despite a difference in scale, it and the ‘mirrorccase’ are remarkably similar in shape, arguably reinforcing a connection. With the incised groove being in places 20 mm wide, one could definitely describe these symbols as boldly carved. However, one would also have to say that they are rather clumsy and unrefined (for an eagle imbued with truly aquiline grandeur, see Tillytarmont 4). Perhaps Inveravon 1 and the Inverallan stone are examples of the ‘declining art’ theory. In contrast, although Inveravon 3 survives only as a small cutdown block bearing the head of a Pictish ‘beast ‘, the superior quality of its carving is obvious, the incised channel being skilfully cut, its curves both sinuous and elegant. This was clearly an exceptionally fine symbol stone. The Minister and Kirk Session of Inveravon are currently in the process of raising funds to have these stones removed from their current position against the south wall of the church, have them professionally conserved, and redisplayed within the church and an approach has been made to RCAHMS to assist with interpretive material for their re-display.

Information from ‘Commissioners’ Field Meeting 2007'.