Inchyra lies on the northern bank of the River Tay to the south of the A90. It is approximately 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) east of Perth and 20 kilometres (12 mi) west-south-west of Dundee.[1] It is situated close to St Madoes. It is the only L-shaped village in Scotland.[citation needed] It is surrounded by farmland.
Toponymy
In common with a number of villages in the Carse of Gowrie, Inchyra has the Celtic placename element innis meaning "island".[2]Carses such as the Carse of Gowrie are estuarine landforms that have been uplifted by isostatic rebound following the last glacial period.[3] It is likely that Inchyra was an island in the firth of Tay at the time of its settlement.
Inchyra Stone
In 1945 a class I Pictish stone was unearthed during ploughing in a field at Inchyra.[4] The stone is inscribed with a variety of Pictish symbols, including a double disc, mirror and comb, two fish and a serpent as well as an Ogham inscription.[5] It is now on display at Perth Museum.
Roman archaeology
In June 1993, a small hoard of eight RomanDenarii coins were discovered at Inchyra, subsequently being declared as treasure trove and placed in Perth Museum.[6] A Roman brooch with blue enamel inlay has also been found in river silt at Inchyra, again now displayed at Perth Museum.[7]