Pictish stones in Caithness

[Zero]

Im aware that most of the stones found in caithness are held in the national museum in Edinburgh and have been for some time, is anyone aware of the original locations of these stones? isnt there a map or some sort of survey on where they were found?

[Dog-eared]

Your best bet is Caithness Field Club. Jeff Leet, Burnside, Thurso.
Their publication "Visits to Ancient Caithness" mentions three stones and gives the Ulbster Stone at ND33641 and the Reay stone in the wall of the old chapel at NC969648.

[stumpy]

Zero,there are a few books out that give lists and grid references:

Royal Commission on Ancient & Historical Monuments of Scotland(can we just call it RCAHMS?) have a couple,the Gazetteer of Pictish Symbol Stones,1999 and Iain Fraser's Pictish Symbol Stones of Scotland,2008;

Elizabeth Sutherland:Pictish Guide,1997;

Anthony Jackson,Symbol Stones of Scotland,1984;

Euan Mackie:Scotland,an Archaeological Guide,1975.

They all list known monuments with descriptions and grid references,but use local government units,so Caithness sites are included in the wider Highland region.

If they're still available,Leslie Myatt's The Standing Stones of Caithness from 2003 andTim Blackie and Colin Macaulay's Sculptured Stones of Caithness,1998,are really good.They have the advantage of local knowledge and give detailed descriptions of where objects were found.Leslie Myatt's book also has some very helpful sketches and diagrams.It's a local publication so may be traceable.The Blackie/Macaulay book was from Pinkfoot Press,whose distribution is variable,but may still be around.A good place to start would be Stanley Morrison's bookshop in the Precinct:he has a good selection and knows his stuff.Although Dog-eared's right,the Field Club has knowledge,enthusiasm and the chance to visit sites!