Researchers from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) used 3D scanning to find out more about the largest Pictish Stone in Scotland, UK. This work is part of the ongoing Rae Project which is digitally documenting all of the properties in HES’s care.

Little is known about Sueno’s Stone in Scotland, UK. It stands at 6.5 meters tall (or 21ft) and is the largest of the Pictish stones in the country. But researchers from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) recently used 3D scanning to learn more about this legendary stone.

The stone dates back to the ninth or tenth century and once overlooked the Mosse and Findhorn rivers floodplains. Legend states that this spot was where Shakespeare’s Macbeth met the three witches. Researchers also believe the stone depicts a royal inauguration and a battle.

Now that the scanning of Sueno’s Stone is complete, it is ready to be examined by experts and academics. The hope is that by examining the scans closely, it’ll be possible to learn more about the detailed carvings.

“We can digitally enhance the data and change light sources, which helps bring out detail on carved stones that is particularly worn,” said Dr Lyn Wilson, digital documentation manager for HES. “It helps us to interpret these stones better.”

As well as Sueno’s Stone, HES is in the process of scanning all of the properties in its care. The initiative is called the Rae Project, after Victorian explorer John Rae. It was launched in 2011 but could take another ten years to complete.

Pictish Stone is Scotland’s Most Complex Medieval Sculpture

Very little is known about the context of the stone, however, experts believe it is the tallest as well as the most complex piece of early medieval sculpture in the country.

“Its sheer size and level of preservation makes it very important. Steps have already been taken to preserve it, such as placing it inside a glass box with controlled temperature,” explains Wilson.

It took three days to scan the monument due to the it’s height and the fact that it is enclosed in a glass box. In fact, a telescopic camera system had to be developed to capture high detail scans through the box.

But, the hard work isn’t for nothing and the results of HES’s Rae project will be used for conservation and managing sites better. Better yet, the data will also be available as 3D digital records for public and academic use.

“We can use the data to build virtual reality experiences and other immersive technologies. We can use 3D printing to create a scale model of the stones for school use. It allows pupils to handle a replica without travelling having to travel. One of things we plan to do with the scans is use them to develop interactive lectures so we can work with experts,” adds Wilson.

So far a third of the Pictish stones have been digitally documented. You can find out more about the HES Rae Project by visiting the website.

Source: The Scotsman