Sundial And Flanking Pair Of Gatepiers, Cromlix House

The sundial at Cromlix House dates from the 17th century and is accompanied by a pair of 16th century gatepiers, which were originally fireplace jambs. The sundial features an obelisk design with a shallow octagonal base topped by a square column that is divided into five compartments on each side. It has a wider chamfered octagonal capital with canted facets both above and below, and a tall obelisk rises above. The sundial is made of grey sandstone ashlar and includes geometric, heart-shaped, and circular sinkings in the column compartments, as well as hollowed-out dials on four facets of the capital.

The gatepiers are identical and date from the 16th century. Each has a shaft with a central engaged column that features a deeply moulded base and a large, overhanging polygonal capital made of pink sandstone. The capital has horizontal banding with an incised rosette pattern, which is also present on the shaft. The gatepiers are topped with splayed grey sandstone copes and ball finials.