Cat Stane

Cat Stane Edinburgh: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Historical Site Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Cat Stane is one of Edinburgh’s most enigmatic and historically significant monuments, offering a rare window into Scotland’s prehistoric and early medieval past. Standing within the secure perimeter of Edinburgh Airport, this modest yet compelling red sandstone standing stone dates back approximately 3,000 to 5,000 years, likely originating in the late Neolithic or Bronze Age. Over millennia, it evolved from a marker on ancient footpaths to a focal point of an early Christian cemetery, as evidenced by a Latin inscription commemorating “Vetta, daughter (or son) of Victricus,” dating from around 500 AD. This inscription marks the Cat Stane as one of the earliest known Christian memorials in Scotland, reflecting profound cultural and religious transitions in the Lothians region (Canmore database; Historic Environment Scotland).

While the Cat Stane is physically inaccessible due to its location within Edinburgh Airport’s secured grounds, its archaeological and cultural importance remains profound. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the monument’s deep historical roots, its archaeological context, and practical visitor information—including how to explore the Cat Stane virtually. It also highlights nearby historical sites and attractions, enriching any visit to Edinburgh with insights into Scotland’s ancient heritage (Edinburgh Live; SCARF).

Introduction
Historical Background and Archaeological Investigations
The Cat Stane: Physical Description & Inscription
Archaeological Context and Site Significance
Visiting the Cat Stane: Practical Information
Preservation and Conservation
Nearby Attractions & Related Edinburgh Sites
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary of Key Archaeological Findings
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background and Archaeological Investigations

Early Historical Context

The Cat Stane is located near the confluence of the Gogar Burn and the River Almond, approximately 1.5 miles east of Kirkliston and half a mile west of Turnhouse (Ancient Stones). Its name derives from an old term meaning “footpath” or “drove road,” suggesting its original role as a marker stone along ancient routes (Scottish Places). Archaeological evidence places its erection between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago, likely during the late Neolithic or Bronze Age.

Archaeological Discoveries and Excavations

Excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries revealed that the Cat Stane stood at the center of a cemetery containing at least fifty early Christian burials in stone-lined graves called long cists (Edinburgh Live). A Latin inscription, dated to around 500 AD, commemorates “Vetta, son (or daughter) of Victricus,” providing rare evidence of early Christian presence in the Lothians.

Other significant archaeological sites nearby include the Huly Hill Cairn, a Bronze Age stone circle, and the ancient Craigie Hill hillfort—both underscoring the area’s long-standing ritual and settlement importance (Edinburgh Live).

The Cat Stane: Physical Description & Inscription

The Cat Stane is a weathered, upright red sandstone slab measuring approximately 1.3–1.5 meters in height and 0.5–0.7 meters in width. The most distinctive feature is its ancient Latin inscription, cut in late Roman capitals:

IN OC TUMULO JACIT VETTA F(ILIA) VICTRICI

This translates to: “In this tomb lies Vetta, daughter (or son) of Victricius.” The inscription is fragmentary and uneven, reflecting the rudimentary tools and techniques available during the early medieval period (SCARF).

Archaeological Context and Site Significance

The Cat Stane was originally part of a larger funerary complex, with the stone standing at the center of a cairn surrounded by long cist burials—typical of early Christian burial practices from the 5th to 7th centuries CE (Trek Zone). The site illustrates a continuity of ritual use, transitioning from pre-Christian to early Christian practices. The presence of the Latin inscription and Christian burials marks the Cat Stane as one of the earliest archaeological testimonies to Christianity in Scotland (SCARF).

The reuse of a Bronze Age standing stone as a Christian memorial highlights the layering of cultural and ritual traditions, with the Cat Stane serving as both a marker of ancestral memory and an emblem of emerging Christian identity.

Visiting the Cat Stane: Practical Information

Accessibility and Visiting Hours

Access: The Cat Stane is located within the secure perimeter of Edinburgh Airport and is not accessible to the public. There are no visiting hours or guided tours available due to security and safety regulations (Wikipedia).

Viewing Opportunities:

From the Air: Passengers may glimpse the Cat Stane from the airplane during takeoff or landing.
Virtual Visits: High-resolution images, site maps, and archaeological reports are available via the Canmore database and Historic Environment Scotland.

Tickets and Tours

No tickets are required, as the site is not open to the public. Guided visits are not available due to airport security. Instead, explore virtual resources for detailed insights.

Accessibility

Physical access to the site is prohibited, including for disabled visitors. However, digital archives and virtual tours ensure broad accessibility to the Cat Stane’s story.

Preservation and Conservation

The Cat Stane is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, protected under Scottish heritage law (Canmore). The site is fenced off, and any maintenance or intervention requires consent from Historic Environment Scotland. Conservation efforts focus on monitoring and documentation, given the stone’s exposure to weather and airport operations (Edinburgh Airport).

While the Cat Stane itself is inaccessible, Edinburgh boasts numerous other ancient monuments and attractions:

Ancient Standing Stones

Caiy Stane (Oxgangs Road): A towering red sandstone slab with prehistoric cup-marks (Rambling Scot).
Bore Stane (Morningside Road): Historic boundary marker associated with battles and city traditions.
Buck Stane (Braid Road): Medieval hunting party meeting point.
Ravenwood Stone (Liberton): A Bronze Age stone now set in modern surroundings.
Gogar Stone: Mysterious ancient marker near the city (Edinburgh Live).

Major Edinburgh Attractions

Edinburgh Castle: Iconic fortress and royal residence (Time Out).
National Museum of Scotland: Collections spanning Scottish history and culture.
Arthur’s Seat: Extinct volcano and city viewpoint.
Scott Monument: Gothic tribute to Sir Walter Scott.
Craigmillar Castle: Atmospheric medieval ruins (Edinburgh.org).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the Cat Stane in person?
A: No, public access is not allowed due to its location within Edinburgh Airport’s secure airfield.

Q: Are there visiting hours or tickets?
A: The Cat Stane is not open to the public and has no visiting hours or ticket requirements.

Q: How can I see the Cat Stane?
A: You may catch a glimpse from an airplane window or explore the site virtually through the Canmore archive.

Q: Are there similar sites I can visit?
A: Yes, Edinburgh features other prehistoric stones and major historic attractions accessible to the public.

Q: Is the Cat Stane accessible for disabled visitors?
A: No physical access is possible, but virtual resources ensure accessibility for all.

Summary of Key Archaeological Findings

Date of erection: Estimated 3,000–5,000 years ago (late Neolithic/Bronze Age).
Inscription: Latin, circa 500 AD, commemorating “Vetta, daughter (or son) of Victricius.”
Burials: At least fifty early Christian long cist graves discovered in the 19th century.
Material: Red sandstone, approx. 1.3–1.5 meters high.
Current status: Scheduled monument, inaccessible due to airport security and preservation measures.

For further research, visit the Canmore database.

Visual and Interactive Resources

Virtual Tour: Explore detailed online galleries and archaeological records via Canmore.
Photography: While direct photography is not possible, virtual archives provide high-quality images for educational and research purposes.

Conclusion & Call to Action

The Cat Stane stands as a remarkable testament to Edinburgh’s layered heritage, embodying a journey from prehistoric ritual landscapes to early Christian commemoration. Despite its inaccessibility, its legacy endures through scholarship, digital archives, and its role in Scotland’s evolving cultural narrative.

We encourage you to delve deeper into Edinburgh’s past by visiting accessible ancient stones, exploring virtual resources, and making use of tools like the Audiala app for curated historical tours and updates. The Cat Stane, though physically out of reach, remains a living link to Scotland’s enduring past (Canmore database; Historic Environment Scotland; Edinburgh Live).