Stone cross works for local expert
The worlds first Celtic High Cross, St Orans Cross, pictured, dating back to the 8th century, is being reassembled in Selkirk before it is returned to Iona for the celebration of the 1450th anniversary of the arrival of St Columba on the island.
A SELKIRK workshop is currently home to what is believed to be the world’s first Celtic high cross.
St Oran’s cross dates back to the eighth century and is being carefully cleaned and put into a specially designed steel structure before it is returned to its island home, Iona.
Richard West, a freelance museum mountmaker based in Selkirk, is creating the support structure, which will mean the huge stone cross can be displayed free-standing in a new museum exhibition.
The stone will be re-erected in time for the 1,450th anniversary of the arrival of St Columba on Iona.
Mr West has been working with Historic Scotland since September, creating mounts for other carved stones in the museum on Iona, which is undergoing refurbishment.
Peter Yeoman, Historic Scotland’s head of cultural heritage, said: “The complete cross originally weighed in excess of one tonne and was 4.4 metres high. We believe it was commissioned by a king around the mid-700s.
“It is beautifully carved with biblical scenes and Celtic interlace patterns. Just below the centre of the cross arm is an extremely rare and early image of the Virgin and Child sheltered by the wings of angels.”
Mr Yeoman added: “This monumental, powerful and decorative use of the Christian cross had never been seen before anywhere in western Europe. It’s one of the largest and finest in the collection of early medieval carved-stone grave slabs and crosses to be found at Iona Abbey.”
The cross, in five large pieces, had been displayed horizontally in the island’s museum. It has now been pieced together with matching, but uncarved, stone.
Once Mr West completes his work, the cross will be transported 160 miles from Selkirk to Oban before two ferry crossings take it back to the island ahead of May’s anniversary celebrations.
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Weather for Selkirk
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 8 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: West
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