This cross is from the Essie stone, which is one of the great cross-slabs in Scotland. These large carved stones were placed along the roadside or in sacred places.

Surrounding the cross there are winged angels, a warrior, a stag, a lion, and a dog. In Celtic Spirituality the sacred was found in all living things.

The center circle or boss has a key pattern. The Celts, unlike everyone else doing the key pattern at the time, put theirs at a diagonal. The knotwork in each panel, a favorite art form of the Celts, is endless and was a symbol of everlasting life.