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Admire one of the most beautiful, grand and distinguished pieces of Pictish sculpture in north-east Scotland.

The Maiden Stone is a three metre-tall cross-slab of pinkish granite, dating to sometime after AD 700. It's a sculptural delight, bearing both characteristic Pictish symbols and what may be a biblical scene.

Plenty of local folklore exists around the Maiden Stone. One tale has it that the stone was once a maiden, who lost a bet with the Devil. As she fled, the Devil turned her to stone. Another says it's a memorial to a young woman killed as a result of a dispute between two families.

Monument Monitor

We're inviting visitors to certain monuments, including this one, to be a part of a crowdsourced conservation project. Look out for the signs as you explore! Read more about Monument Monitor.

Close view of the Maiden Stone from an elevated angle, showing its carved patterns and surrounding grassland.
Rear view of the Maiden Stone showing its worn surface with faint carvings, set in a grassy landscape.

Ready for an adventure?

Use a Membership or Explorer Pass to discover centuries of Scottish history and heritage, all while saving money and supporting our work.

Membership

Ideal for regular visitors and heritage supporters

Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events

Two adults, holding hands with two young children, walk through a graveyard, with historical stone ruins in the background. It is a sunny day.
  • Unlimited annual pass for all ticketed sites plus daytime events
  • Discount in our shops and cafés (on site and online)
  • Historic Scotland magazine delivered to your door
  • Free or discounted entry to sites in England, Wales and the Isle of Man

Explorer Pass

Perfect for short-term trips and sightseeing

Valid for 14 consecutive days

A family walking across a grassy lawn with the New Abbey Corn Mill building in the background.
  • Valid for 14 consecutive days
  • Entry to all ticketed sites, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle
  • 20% discount on audio guides at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Glasgow Cathedral
  • Guaranteed entry when you pre-book online