St Serf's Church & Dupplin Cross

Finally got to visit the Dupplin Cross which is housed inside St Serf’s, a magnificent Class III Pictish Stone from around 800CE. Has barely legible writing “CUSTANTIN FILIUS FIRCUS”, the Latin version of Pictish king's Gaelic name “Caustantín, son of Fergus” (Constantine son of Fergus/Causantín mac Fergusa). A rather important Pictish Stone as it gives a fixed chronologically date in time and indicates Gaelic as the spoken language at the time. Lots of beautiful carvings such as a harpist, rider with enlarged head riding a horse, hunting dogs, lovely Celtic Cross and lots of Celtic Knots. The St Serf’s church itself is beautiful, has wonderful stained glass windows by Ballantine and Gardiner and incorporates the 1100s tower!

Beautiful Church, and the Dupplin Cross is a sight to behold. The history of the church and the Cross is so interesting. Be sure to see all the stained glass, when the sun shines through the colours are amazing. Owned and looked after by Historic Scotland, free entry for members. The bell tower is gorgeous and ancient, one of the original parts of the church. We were told that the original pulpit, which was disposed of when the church was extended is in an antiques shop in Crieff, although not for sale, phew. The stories it could tell. There's also a beautiful stone fountain outside (not in use) of the church.

The Dupplin Cross is a carved, monumental Pictish stone, which dates from around 800 AD. It was first recorded by Thomas Pennant in 1769, on a hillside in Strathearn, a little to the north of (and on the opposite bank of the River Earn from) Forteviot and Dunning. In 2002 it was placed in the care of Historic Scotland, and was placed for preservation under the 11th/12th-century tower of St Serf's Church, Dunning.

What an interesting building and graveyard, the cross is lovely and the church has some lovely stained glass .

Small church right in the middle of Dunning village. Opposite the pub and just next to the bridge. You can park for free in the street here with no parking restrictions. This is an old and interesting church with small grounds. Very peaceful.

A very large part of Scotlands history... Must see if in Perthshire and please make a donation as no entry fee.

The church itself is nothing out of the ordinary; however, the location is kind of an oasis in the middle of the busy main road through the village. It is nice to walk about the graveyard before visiting the church and listening to the explanation about the Duplpin Cross. The person that guided us was extremelly knowledgeable and very entertaining.

For anyone interested in Scotland's early history and prehistory this is an essential site to visit. The 3 metres high cross depicts King Constantine of The Picts, who ruled at the beginning of the AD 800s and some of his warriors, as well as lovely carvings of a harpist and various hunting dogs and other animals. It really conveys the inclinations of King Constantine son of Fergus. The beautiful church in which the cross stands is itself ancient, from the 1100s and is full of curious memorials dating back hundreds of years. The graveyard is also full of fascinating old graves. The village of Dunning is gorgeous as is the surrounding area, nestling in glorious Gleneagles, the great glen running from Perth to Stirling. The lady guide is very helpful and knowledgeable. I recommend purchasing the pamphlets offered about the area which are very interesting. Dunning/Forteviot was the capital of the Southern Picts. The area also seems to have been very important going back to Neolithic and Bronze Age Times with a huge timber monument having been constructed in antiquity.