SHANDWICK AND BALINTORE

Just to the south of Balintore, the tiny village of Shandwick is most notable for a beautiful carved Pictish cross-slab which stands nearby called Clach a'Charridh. The stone's carvings depict angels, warriors, hunting men and animals, and it has been encased in glass to protect it. The name of the village is an indication that the Picts were displaced by Vikings, having as its origin the Norse sand-vik or sand bay.

Balintore's harbour was built in the late 19th century; up to that time boats were pulled up onto the beach. A walk over the cliff tops towards Nigg can offer the possibility of spotting the local dolphins as well as enjoying wonderful views of the Moray Firth. A walk in the other direction will take you to the Mermaid of the North, a nod to the more famous Copenhagen one.  Another notable Pictish carved stone is the Hilton of Cadboll Stone, originally located at the village of the same name near Balintore next to an ancient chapel called Our Lady's Chapel. However, this one has been removed for safekeeping at the Royal Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Map of the area.

Shandwick 'Pictish Cross' - geograph.org.uk - 260334. Photo by Stanley Howe, via Wikimedia Commons.