St Wolock's Stone, Kirkton, Aberdeenshire

Description

This lichen-covered granite standing stone, measuring 1.65m high, 1.4m broad and 0.5m thick, is situated hard up against the external west wall of the Kirkton burial ground (NJ40SW 54) on the east verge of a track that links the A97 and the B9119 public roads. Its upper surface slopes down to the S and its rounded north edge contrasts sharply with its perpendicular counterpart opposite, while its wider flatter west face contrasts with its more rounded and fluted rear. However, despite its resemblance to the west flanker of a recumbent stone circle, there is no evidence that such a monument was situated hereabouts. It is named after a saint who is said to have converted many local people to Christianity however it probably dates from a period long before St. Walloch (who died 733) as churches were often erected in the vicinity of ancient pillar stones. Canmore ID 17073