More medieval gravestones found in Contin churchyard
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Sheer chance has led to the discovery of two fascinating medieval gravestones in a Contin churchyard.
Forty years ago two similar stones were moved from the grounds and placed inside Contin Parish Church, to protect them from the elements.
Now, however, it has transpired there were in fact four stones in close proximity within the grounds.
Possibly dating from the 1500s, the latest pair were only discovered when moss was removed from them and sunlight helped illuminate their markings.
One stone features carvings of a cross with an axe and possibly a sword, while the other shows what might be a scabbard and a small Jerusalem cross.
Community councillor Phil Baarda uncovered the stones and said: “It was a genuine surprise to come across something like this.
“I peeled back some moss and if the sun hadn’t cast a shadow at that precise moment, I might not have realised the significance of what I was looking at.
“We’ve been in touch with many experts and organisations, who are as excited as we are – and it seems possible that there’s much, much more to discover about Contin and the church and its history.”
“Much of the carving on both stones is very worn, but using photo-digital enhancement, we’ve been able to accentuate the patterns and shapes so we can see more easily what the stones may have looked like half a century ago.”
Both slabs have been covered over again until a decision can be made about their longer term future, however there are plans to make images available on the Contin Community website.
Kirsty Cameron, Highland Council archaeologist, said: “These finds are very exciting. Contin’s historic importance and ancient church have often been overlooked and finding these carved stones will add considerably to our knowledge and history of the village and the wider area.”
