Historic Environment Scotland have shared an image of an ancient Pictish stone that it has described as a Dobby the House Elf "lookalike".
The Pabbay Stone is an ancient carved stone believed to date back to the 6th century. The 1,500-year-old stone is located on the tiny uninhabited island of Pabbay at the southern tip of the Outer Hebrides, on a small hill overlooking the nearby bay.
The historic stone is said to be the only one of its kind in the Western Isles, and one of only five in the Hebrides. According to archaeological database Canmore, it is marked with a "V-rod, a lunar crescent, and a flower", as well as a "crude cross" added at a later date.
These features are what make the carvings look like the famous Harry Potter elf. In the image shared by Historic Environment Scotland, which was taken in 1895, the carvings are outlined with chalk to highlight their features.
This was done by Erskine Beveridge, who also captured the photograph. As stated on the Historic Environment Scotland website, this "would not be permitted now due to the possible damage caused", but demonstrates Beveridge's "eagerness to accurately record these ancient symbols".
Taking to Facebook, Historic Environment Scotland wrote: "Happy Lookalike Day! Here's Dobby the House Elf captured in the carvings on the Pabbay Stone.
"This photo was taken by Erskine Beveridge in 1895 as part of his travels in Scotland. It's part of the Historic Environment Scotland archives on Canmore."
Today, these markings are unfortunately badly eroded and barely visible. The damage has been amplified due to the stone lying horizontally, with the carvings face-up.
More information can be found on the Historic Environment Scotland website.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here.
