| The Eagle Stone | |
|---|---|
| Clach an Tiompain | |
 Clach an Tiompain, Strathpeffer | |
| Material | Bluegneiss |
| Height | 32 inches (81 cm) |
| Width | 24 inches (61 cm) |
| Symbols |
|
| Created | 500-700AD |
| Present location | Strathpeffer, Easter Ross grid ref NH48455852[1] |
| Coordinates | 57°35′29″N4°32′8″W / 57.59139°N 4.53556°W /57.59139; -4.53556 |
| Classification | Class I incised stone |
| Culture | Picto-Scottish |
Clach an Tiompain (inEnglish, the "Sounding Stone") orThe Eagle Stone is a small Class IPictish stone[1] located on a hill on the northern outskirts ofStrathpeffer inEaster Ross,Scotland.
The stone is made of bluegneiss and is 32 inches (81 cm) high, 24 inches (61 cm) wide, and 10 inches (25 cm) thick.[1] Carved on the southeast side are two images, ahorse shoe-likearc symbol above aneagle.
The stone was originally located further down the hill, towards Dingwall, but was moved to its current site in 1411.[2] One old tradition is that the stone marks the site of aScottish clan battle that took place in 1411 between theClan Munro and a branch of theClan MacDonald, and that the stone commemorates a Munro victory as it is marked with their symbol, an eagle.[3] According toNorman Macrae the stone was placed there by the Munros while marching againstDonald of Islay, Lord of the Isles.[4]
The stone is associated with the prophecies of the 16th centuryBrahan Seer (Scottish Gaelic:Coinneach Odhar). He predicted that if the stone fell three times, the surrounding valley would be flooded, and the stone used as an anchor.
It has since fallen twice, and is now set in concrete.