Building record MAB37768 - ST MACHAR'S CROSS
Please read our guidance about the use of Aberdeenshire Historic Environment Record data.
Summary
A cross incised stone which stood on an earthen mound 7.62m in diameter, and circa 1m high on the southeast periphery of which is St Machar's Well or St Muchrieha/ Mochrieha's well (NO59NW0041).
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NO 5032 9988 (40m by 40m) Centred at - Polygon: Known Site Extent |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NO59NW |
| Authority | Aberdeenshire |
| Civil Parish | Aboyne and Glentanar |
Type and Period (2)
Full Description
A cross incised stone which stood on an earthen mound 7.62m in diameter, and circa 1m high on the southeast periphery of which is St Machar's Well or St Muchrieha/ Mochrieha's well (NO59NW0041). A large stone with an artificial hollow stood near the cross and was known as the 'saints chair' ('Cathair Mochrieha'). The cross on the east face of the stone has equal and expanding arms and is composed of either granite or gneiss. Now known locally as St Machar's Cross, it is no longer earthfast but stands on a southeast facing slope with no trace of a mound. Apart from the outlined cross, there is no trace of other carvings. There is a tradition that the cross was removed and miraculously returned. This may be based on the locally known fact that the stone was at one time removed to Dinnet, but was returned when it was found out to be a boundary stone.
ORDNANCE SURVEY, 1871, Ordnance Name Book, No4(1865) 29 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1360.
SCOTT, A. B., 1918, THE PICTISH NATION, ITS PEOPLE & ITS CHURCH, 167 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1619.
WATSON, WJ, 1926, CELTIC PLACE NAMES OF SCOTLAND, 331 (Bibliographic reference). SAB2004.
SIMPSON, W. D., 1935, THE CELTIC CHURCH IN SCOTLAND, 94 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1663.
Author unknown, n.d., NSA, (1843) 1059 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1269.
Other Statuses/References
- Authority: ASH;
- NMR Card Number: NO59NW2;
- NRHE Numlink: 35288;
- Old Historic Environment Record Ref: NO59NW0002;
External Links (1)
- https://www.trove.scot/place/35288 (trove.scot link)
Sources/Archives (5)
- --- SAB1269 Bibliographic reference: Author unknown. n.d.. NSA. (1843) 1059.
- --- SAB1360 Bibliographic reference: ORDNANCE SURVEY. 1871. Ordnance Name Book. No4(1865) 29.
- --- SAB1619 Bibliographic reference: SCOTT, A. B.. 1918. THE PICTISH NATION, ITS PEOPLE & ITS CHURCH. N. N. 167.
- --- SAB1663 Bibliographic reference: SIMPSON, W. D.. 1935. THE CELTIC CHURCH IN SCOTLAND. 94.
- --- SAB2004 Bibliographic reference: WATSON, WJ. 1926. CELTIC PLACE NAMES OF SCOTLAND. N. 331.
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (0)
Record last edited
Jan 13 2026 2:35PM
