An ancient historical stone has been uncovered by contractors building the £35 million A9/A85 project in Perth and Kinross.

The stone was discovered by Balfour Beatty's workers, who halted works in the area to allow archaeologists to inspect the stone and site of its discovery.

Mark Hall, from the Perth Museum & Art Gallery, (Culture Perth & Kinross), has identified the artefact as a particular kind of Pictish carving not previously known in the Perth and Kinross area. Similar stones have been discovered in Aberdeenshire, the Highlands and Islands and Shetland.

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After an inspection of the find spot, no further archaeological works were considered necessary and the roadworks have resumed.

Council Leader Ian Campbell said: "I am led to believe Pictish symbol stones come in many shapes and sizes, and date broadly to the sixth-eighth centuries AD.

"I understand very little is known about the purpose of Pictish stones and the real meaning of the symbols they carry. In terms of their function, theories include their serving as grave markers or memorials to Pictish nobles, or their standing as territorial markers.

"I look forward to hearing what the experts conclude from their examination of this clearly fascinating stone."

The A9/A85 scheme is the first phase of the Perth Transport Futures Project, which started on site in October 2016, and is due to be completed in March 2019.

(LM)