After the union of the Picts of northern and eastern Scotland with the Scots of the Highlands in mid 9th century, Dunkeld became the most important Christian center in Scotland. This cross design comes from an early cross-slab that has typical Pictish pagan symbols surrounding the cross. The center of the crossing has a variation of the spiral representing God, the source of light with all things revolving around Him. The knotwork covering the rest of the cross is unending and thus cannot be untied. This symbolizes the knots, which bind the soul to the earth. These knots must be cut and broken for the soul to become free to begin the spiritual journey to heaven. The knotwork is also said to represent everlasting life.