Object: MacAlister Stone

Date: Early Medieval

Description: The stone has been the shaft of free-standing cross. Two sockets at the sides are where the lower ring-quadrants were fitted and the tenon at the top was for a transom. On one side, the lowest part of the shaft has a Latin cross above which are two birds. The next panel shows a quadruped with pointy ears, an arched back and an interlaced tail. The top panel has a winged quadruped. The other side of the panel depicts a horse and rider. He is flanked top and bottom by panels of interlace

Origin: The early origins of this stone are unknown. Hewison in his book ‘Bute in the Olden Time’ tentatively associates it with a stone that may have stood at Kilwhinleck.  In its later life it came into the possession of the MacAlister family and was associated with the Ascog area. It was erected at the family burial plot in Rothesay Churchyard. It was re-erected in 1886 after it had lain recumbent for many years. In 1996 it was removed to Bute Museum for safe keeping.