Stephen Squires, Norma Balfour and Terry Shroder trying out the new AR. Picture: Callum Mackay

THE fascinating story of a hand-carved stone which has become a major visitor attraction in Easter Ross has been given a high-tech twist – and there could be even more to come once a fresh probe gets under way.

The use of augmented reality technology for the interpretation of the Hilton Stone allows its story to be told via smartphone.

Meanwhile a new geophysical survey of the area planned for next month could reveal other artefacts currently hidden from view, opening a new chapter in a story dating back hundreds of years.

A gathering at the Hilton of Cadboll Chapel site last week witnessed the unveiling of a storyboard which includes a welcome narrative, a panel with instructions how to access an augmented reality experience of the Hilton Stone and information about the Pictish trail.

Hugh Skinner of Historic Hilton Trust said: "We believe this facility is the first of its kind at an outdoor heritage site. The AR experience gives the detailed history of the Hilton Stone, how it was taken from its original site at the Hilton Chapel to a stately home in Invergordon, then taken to London and displayed in the British Museum, and then, after a lobby by the people of Scotland, it was relocated to the National Museum of Edinburgh where it is displayed today.

"The AR experience also describes what the Pictish symbols and characters are believed to represent. The AR experience was designed and developed by Talis Harris the son of one of our former committee members as the dissertation part of his computer science degree.

"Whilst the original Hilton Stone resides in Edinburgh, a magnificent full sized intricately carved replica stands where we believe the original stone was located. This is the largest manifestation of a Pictish cross slab on the Pictish trail. Heritage activities have been severely disrupted by Covid just like most activities/ events, however HHT are looking forward to an updated geophysical survey planned to be carried out by Historic Environmental Scotland (HES) this year. This survey will highlight if there are other heritage artefacts hidden from view just below the ground."

HHT thanked Glenmorangie, Dufi Art, Highland Council, Seaboard Centre, Talis and Suzanna Harris, Norma Balfour, piper Charlie Ross and all who turned out to support the event.

Mr Skinner said: "We trust visitors will enjoy this new experience."