Sauchope Standing Stone

This is a ninth century AD Pictish standing stone located off the A917 north from the village of Crail. The Standing Stone of Sauchope is in Victoria Gardens, Crail (Scottish Gaelic: Cathair Aile) in the East Nuek of Fife, Scotland. The stone is very weathered but still has the outline of a cross and relief sculpture. It was moved to its present site in 1929. Crail is a settlement that dates back to the Pictish times and beyond. The Picts were a Celtic people that lived in northern and eastern Scotland from the late Iron Age period. They are thought to have merged with Gaels (speakers of the Gaelic languages) after which that language became dominant and the Celtic language of the Picts was lost. There are, however, many Pictish standing stones remaining with examples of their art and indications of their beliefs.

Crail is an interesting place to visit with many interesting buildings. It is definitely worth making time to stop and explore Crail and the 13th century parish church is noted as one of Scotland’s most beautiful. The Standing Stone of Sauchope is located in Victoria Gardens as you enter the town from the direction of St Andrews.