Calls for the return of the 'Rhynie Man'
The Aberdeenshire Village has been without the Pictish stone, discovered locally, since the late 80s - now they are campaigning for him to come home.
Last updated 25th Jan 2021
There are calls for Aberdeenshire Village Rhynie to have their 'Rhynie Man' - a six-foot Pictish stone, carved with a distinctive axe-wielding figure - returned locally.
The stone was discovered in the village in 1978, but since the late 80's it has sat 35 miles away at Aberdeenshire Council's Woodhill House headquarters.
Last year Rhynie cemented its claim as the centre of the Pictish universe when archeologists announced that nearby Tap O’ Noth hillfort may have been one of the largest and most significant ancient settlements anywhere in Europe of its time.
This exciting discovery has prompted a renewed focus on the rich history of the area, with local campaigners hoping that the Rhynie Man could be a focal point for visitors prominently positioned in a secure weatherproof display in the village square.
While previous calls have met with general approval, no action has yet been taken to bring the Rhynie Man home. Aberdeenshire West MSP Candidate Fergus Mutch has written to Aberdeenshire Council to open talks about its return.
Commenting, Fergus Mutch said:
“Rhynie has such a central place in our heritage — it formed the centre of the Pictish world — and we should celebrate that properly.
“The Rhynie Man is one of Scotland's most important archeological discoveries and could form a magnificent centrepiece in telling the story of the Picts, drawing tourists from far and wide.
“Currently, he looks a bit sad, forgotten and inaccessible in the lobby of Woodhill House, 35 miles from home.
“A permanent home in the Square in Rhynie would be a far more appropriate setting.
“Rhynie is one of Aberdeenshire’s most beautiful villages but in recent years has sadly seen its hotel close, and visitors to the local area in decline.
“Let’s reverse that trend, bring the Rhynie Man home in 2021 and give the community a welcome boost in the process.”
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