Cover: Malcolm’s Grave Stone

This issue’s cover is a 19th century antiquarian’s drawing of a Pictish carved stone which can be found in the village of Glamis in Angus. At the time the drawing was made the stone was known as Malcolm’s Gravestone, referring to King Malcolm II of Alba who lived in the early 11th century. However, dating of the stone is uncertain. It appears to have been made from an original Bronze Age standing stone. It bears a Christian cross, which puts a lower limit on the date. But whether it is late enough for Malcolm II is an entirely another matter.

Máel Coluim mac Cinaeda (Malcolm, son on Kenneth) is another fascinating character. His 29 year reign was exceptionally long for the period, but he produced no sons so he planned on securing his kingdom by marrying his daughters to neighbouring royalty. As a result he appears to have been the grandfather of both Macbeth and Duncan I, who in real life died in an ill-judged attack on Macbeth’s little subkingdom of Moray. Macbeth went on to acquire the throne of Alba which he held for many years.

As to why I have used this image, well you will have to read the review of Carved on Stone.

An unaldulterated version of the art appears below. I have no idea who the original artist was.