A long read

At Brodie Castle there is a peculiar looking stone. The Rodney Stone is a Pictish standing stone, and one of the best examples in Scotland. The stone is richly carved, with interesting shapes and even some exotic animals, including an elephant, a fish-monster and even some dragons.

The stone was given the name ‘Rodney’ in commemoration of the victory of Admiral Rodney over the French Fleet in Dominiqua in 1782, but it may also have been named after the rat catcher and grave digger from the nearby village of Dyke who shared a similar name.

The stone is inscribed with the longest known ogham script in Scotland. There are three ogham inscriptions, over two sides of the stone. However, it is a little difficult to read, unless you understand ancient alphabets. The hard work has thankfully been done for us, and part of the inscription includes the name ‘Ethernan’. If you feel like you could work out the rest then wander over to the stone at Brodie Castle.