View source for Stones of Scotland

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There are many large '''stones of Scotland''' of cultural and historical interest, such as the distinctive [[Pictish stones]].
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==Stone of Scone==
{{Excerpt|Stone of Scone}}

==Rocking stones==
[[Ayrshire]] has several [[rocking stone]]s. 

[[File:Coylton logan or rocking stone.jpg|left|thumb|210px|{{center|The Coylton rocking stone in 1863.}}]]
*One rocking stone is recorded near the site of Saint Bride's Chapel. This stone stands on top of the Craigs of Kyle near [[Coylton]] in Ayrshire. It weighs around 30 tons and rest upon two stones. A large standing stone known as Wallace's stone stands nearby.<ref name="Paterson">[[James Paterson (journalist)|Paterson, James]] (1863). ''History of the Counties of Ayr and Wigton.'' Vol. I. – Kyle. Pub. James Stillie, Edinburgh. pp. 217–218.</ref>

*There is also a rocking stone near Loch Riecawr in [[South Ayrshire]].<ref>[http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=242500&y=592500&z=3&sv=Rock&st=3&tl=Rocking+Stone,+South+Ayrshire+&searchp=newsearch.srf&mapp=newmap.srf A map showing the location of a rocking stone in South Ayrshire]</ref>

*In the parish of [[Carrick, Scotland|North Carrick]] in the [[Straiton|Straiton District]] in South Ayrshire, about a quarter of a mile (400 m) to the west of the White Laise, and near the March Dyke, there is a rocking stone named the Logan Stone. The Logan Stone is a grey granite rock and rests on greywacke, and can easily be moved with one hand. It is 4 feet 3&nbsp;inches by 4 feet, by 3 feet high (1.3 × 1.2 × 0.9 m).<ref>''Prehistoric Man in Ayrshire'', John Smith of Dalry, 1895</ref>

*A rocking stone that some associate with the [[Druid]]s is on Cuff Hill in [[Hessilhead]], near [[Beith]] in [[North Ayrshire]]. It no longer rocks, due to people digging beneath to ascertain its fulcrum.<ref>''Topographical Description of Ayrshire; more Particularly of Cunninghame: together with a Genealogical account of the Principal families in that Bailiwick.'', George Robertson, Cunninghame Press, Irvine, 1820</ref> It is in a small wood and surrounded by a circular drystone wall. An article was published in Cumnock Chronicle of 1907 on the reason for the stone being dislodged. Signed by Robert Boyle and Robert Currie.

*The Lamagee or Lamargle stone is in the centre of a stone circle in the village of [[Lugar, East Ayrshire|Lugar]] in [[East Ayrshire]]. The Lamargle stone rests on two stones. Local legend has it that the Lamargle stone used to rock, but it no longer does.

[[File:Lugar rocking stone.jpg|right|thumb|200px|{{center|The Lugar rocking stone.}}]] 
[[File:Sannox, Arran rocking stone.jpg|left|thumb|200px|{{center|The Sannox rocking stone.}}]]
* Near Lugar in the parish of Auchinleck in Ayrshire is a rocking stone in a hollow by the Bella Water near its junction with the Glenmore Water. It is made of two vertical stones, and a horizontal stone about six feet long, three feet broad and four feet high (1.8 × 0.9 × 1.2 m). It was regarded as a [[Druid]]ical monument or the grave of a Caledonian hero.<ref name="Currie">Currie, Robert. ''Rocking stone near Lugar''. Kilmarncok Glenfield Ramblers Society. Annals. 1904 – 1907. p. 23.</ref>

*In 1913–19 there was a rocking stone at [[Sannox]] on the [[Isle of Arran]]. It sat on a nearly horizontal platform next to the seashore.<ref name="Allen">Allen, Charles A. ''Arran: Its Charm & Beauty.'' Kilmarncok Glenfield Ramblers Society. Annals. 1904 – 1907. facing p. 76.</ref>

*The Clochoderick stone near [[Howwood]] and [[Kilbarchan]] in [[Renfrewshire]] used to rock, and it is said that the [[druid]]s used it to judge people. The accused was made to sit on the stone and by the way it moved the druids judged their innocence or guilt. It is also said to be the burial place of [[Rhydderch Hael]], King of Strathclyde who won the [[Battle of Arfderydd]] (or Arderydd) near Arthuret in the Borders. His victory brought Christianity to Strathclyde.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}
[[File:Clochoderick Stone.JPG|right|thumb|200px|{{center|The Clochoderick Rocking stone.}}]]
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===Views of the Cuff Hill rocking stone===
This stone could still, with a little effort, be rocked in the 1860s according to the historian John Smith.<ref>''Prehistoric Man in Ayrshire'', John Smith of Dalry, 1895.</ref> 
<gallery>
Image:Cuffhillstone.JPG|The Rocking Stone at Cuff Hill in Ayrshire.
Image:Cuff Hill logan stone 1.JPG|{{center|Detail of the rocking stone.}}
Image:Cuff Hill logan stone 2.JPG|{{center|A different side.}}
Image:Cuff Hill logan stone 3.JPG|{{center|The third side.}}
</gallery>

==Lochmaben stone==
{{excerpt|Lochmaben Stone}}

==Thurgartstone==
{{main article|Thurgartstone}}
The Ogrestone or Thurgartstone near [[Corsehill, Lainshaw, Robertland and Dunlop|Dunlop]] in [[East Ayrshire]] is thought to have been a [[rocking stone]]. However, soil has built up around the base of the Thurgatstone over the years, which now prevents any rocking motion.

The Thurgatstane / Thorgatstane / Field Spirit Stane / Ogrestane near Dunlop in East Ayrshire is a [[glacial erratic]] stone near the middle of a field belonging to Brandleside Farm near to the site of St.Mary's Chapel on the [[Lugton]] road.

===Views of the Thurgartstone in 2007===
<gallery>
Image:Thurgartstone1.JPG|{{center|North Side}}
Image:Thurgartstone3.JPG|{{center|East Side}}
Image:Thurgartstone4.jpg|{{center|Viewed from above}}
Image:Thurgartstone6.JPG|{{center|East Side}}
</gallery>

==The Carlin or Hag's Stone==
{{main article|Carlin stone}}
[[File:Carlinstone.jpg|right|thumb|150px|A view of the Carlin Stone]]
On top of the Common Crags overlooking [[Dunlop, East Ayrshire|Dunlop]] and the Glazert is a large procumbent boulder known as the 'Carlin's Stone or Stane'. This stone is not as well known as the Thorgatstane. A Carl is a commoner, a husband or in a derogatory sense, a churl or person of low birth. Carlin is the Scots equivalent of Gaelic "Cailleach", meaning a witch or the 'old Hag', goddess of Winter. This would therefore be the Witch's Stone, one of several in Scotland with this name.

Near 'Kirkhill' outside Stewarton are several Kilbrides. [[Bride]], [[Brigit]] or St. Brigid was originally a Celtic Goddess linked with the festival of [[Imbolc]], the eve of the first of February. She was the goddess of Spring and was associated with healing and sacred wells, therefore the antithesis of the Carlin. Carlin's Tooth is the name of a rock outcrop in the Scottish borders between Knocks Knowe and Carter Fell (Logan Mack 1926). Several Carling Farms are to be found near [[Darvel]] in Ayrshire.

== The Stone of Mannau ==
[[File:Clackmannanstane.jpg|left|thumb|100px|The Mercat cross and Stone of Manau at the 'Tolbooth' in Clackmannan. 2005.]]
Clackmannan (from the Gaelic Clach Mhanainn, 'Stone of Manau') is the name of a small town and local government district in the Central region of Scotland, corresponding to the traditional county of Clackmannanshire, which was Scotland's smallest. The 'Stone of Manau or Manaw' is a [[monolith]] of religious significance to the ancient tribes of the area. It has been moved from its original position and placed in the town centre on top of a large standing stone, which was quarried locally.

===The Dagon Stone===
The RCHAMS 'Canmore' site lists this unhewn [[olivine]] [[monolith]] in Darvel, Ayrshire, as a 'possible' standing stone. It is rather curious and its general size and shape suggest a prehistoric standing stone. It has twelve small connected depressions spread over three of its sides. These have been said to link the stone to astronomical observations and to the noon-day sun height at mid-summer. This would link the stone to life-giving powers, fertility and prosperity.<ref name="McLeod">McLeod, Alex. G. (Editor), ''The Book of Old Darvel and Some of its Famous Sons.'' Pub. Walker & Connell, Darvel. p. 65.</ref>

In 1821 someone attached a round sandstone ball to the top of it with an iron bar. Who or why is unknown. It is 1.6m tall and its original position is also unknown. It used to stand in what is now the main street, at the end of Ranoldcoup Road as shown by an old photograph,<ref name="McLeod4">McLeod, Alex. G. (Editor), ''The Book of Old Darvel and Some of its Famous Sons.'' Pub. Walker & Connell, Darvel. p. 52.</ref> and was moved to the town square when the road was widened.<ref name="RCAHMS">[https://canmore.org.uk/site/43642/darvel-dagon-stone Darvel, Dagon Stone]. ''Canmore''.</ref>

Documentation shows that prior to the 19th century messings-about, newlywed couples and their wedding parties marched around it for good luck, accompanied by a fiddler.<ref name="McLeod4"/> Wedding processions also used to walk three times sunwise round the Dagon stone on the way to the bride's house.<ref name="McLeod6">McLeod, Alex. G. (Editor), ''The Book of Old Darvel and Some of its Famous Sons.'' Pub. Walker & Connell, Darvel. p. 21.</ref>

The annual parade or "Prawd", originally held on old New Year's Day, headed by the village band used to walk sunwise round the Dagon stone as a mark of superstitious respect.<ref name="McLeod6"/>

== The Dooslan stone ==
[[File:Dooslan stone paisley.JPG|right|thumb|200px|{{center|The Doosland Stone and the remains of the lettering inscribed on its surface.}}]]
[[File:Dooslan stone in Brodie Park, paisley.JPG|left|200px|thumb|{{center|The Dooslan stone and the tolbooth bases in Brodie Park.}}]]
This glacial erratic stone now lies in Brodie Park in Paisley. It is thought to have been named after a Mr Dove who laid claim to the stone. Originally to be found at the corner of Neilston Road and Rowan Street in [[Paisley, Renfrewshire|Paisley]], the stone was the meeting place of the Weavers Union in the South of Paisley and was also used as a "soapbox". It was later moved to its present location in Brodie Park. The stone is still used today as the meeting point for the annual Sma' Shots parade.<ref name="Dooslann">[http://www.paisleyonline.co.uk/html/parks.html Paisley Online.]</ref> Its ancient significance is unknown, but it has played a significant role in historical times and has probably always been a megalith of social significance.

{{Clear}}

== Some views of Stones of Scotland ==
<gallery>
Image:Carlinstonea.JPG|{{center|The Carlin Stone near Craigends Farm. 2007.}}
Image:DalgarvenMillCup&Ring.jpg|{{center|The Dalgarven Mill cup and ring mark stone.}}
Image:Dagonstone darvel2.JPG|{{center|The Dagon stone in Hasting's Square, Darvel. 2007.}}
Image:Dagonstonedarvel1.JPG|{{center|The Dagon stone in Hasting's Square, Darvel. 2007.}}
</gallery>

===The Carlin Stone at Craigends===

A large procumbent boulder known on the OS map as the 'Carlin's Stone' lies next to the Carlin Burn near Craigends Farm below Cameron's Moss in East Ayrshire. The name is the same as the example at [[Dunlop, East Ayrshire|Dunlop]] in East Ayrshire. It has been much visited at one time, with the clear remains of a footbridge running to it across the [[River Irvine|Hareshawmuir Water]].

===The Deil's Chuckie Stane at Ladyland===

[[File:Devil's Chuckie Stone Ladyland.JPG|right|200px|thumb|{{center|The Deil's Chuckie Stane near Ladyland House.}}]]
A large boulder in amongst trees near the David Hamilton designed Ladyland House, [[Kilbirnie]], North Ayrshire. Despite the name no clear legend has been preserved regarding this stone in the neighbourhood. The stone has survived being broken up despite the building of the old Ladyland Castle, stone dykes, farm buildings, etc.

===The Grannie stane at Irvine in Ayrshire===

The [[Grannie stone|Grannie Stane]] (or Granny Stane) is described as "one of Irvine's prehistoric puzzles", this boulder is either left behind from the Ice Age or is the last remaining stone of a stone circle – others were removed, by blasting, after the Irvine weir was constructed in 1895, but popular protests saved this remaining stone. The Grannie Stane is visible when the water is low.

===The Hare stone===
[[File:The Monkton Hare Stone, Ayrshire.JPG|thumb|200px|The Hare Stone]]
The Muckle or Hare stone is a glacial erratic boulder previously located in a nearby field and moved to the centre of Monkton, near [[Prestwick]], in 2000. A number of tales of witchcraft and evil spirits are associated with it.<ref>Love, Dane (2003), Ayrshire : Discovering a County. Ayr : Fort Publishing. {{ISBN|0-9544461-1-9}}. Page 232.</ref>

===The Gowk Stane===
[[File:Gowk Stane Darvel Ayrshire.JPG|thumb|200px|The [[Gowk Stone|Gowk Stane]].]]
Near Laigh Overmuir on the moors above [[Darvel]] in East Ayrshire is the Gowk Stane, a glacial erratic boulder located in a prominent position overlooking the upper tributaries of the Glen Water.

===The Haylie Chambered Tomb===
[[File:Haylie Cairn.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Haylie Chambered Tomb]]
In [[Largs]], North Ayrshire resides a [[Neolithic]] tomb behind Douglas Park. This monument is known as the Haylie Chambered Tomb and it was once covered by a cairn of stones (known as Margaret's Law). When it was uncovered in the early twentieth century the tomb was dated to around 3000 to 2000 BC.

===Cup and ring mark stone===
The purpose of [[cup and ring mark]]ed stones is unknown, however they may represent family trees, star maps, br related to [[labyrinth]]s, etc.<ref name="Bord">Bord, Janet and Colin. (1973) ''Mysterious Britain''. Pub. Garnstone. {{ISBN|0-85511-180-1}}. p. 44.</ref><ref name="Morris">Morris, Ronald W B (I967-68). '"The Cup-and-Ring Marks and Similar Sculptured of Scotland: a Survey of the Southern Counties, Part II." ''Proc. Soc. Antiq. Scot.'', Vol.100. p. 47.</ref> The carvings on such stones date from the [[Neolithic]] or [[Bronze Age]] times, being as old as 6000 years. This example from Dalgarven Mill in Ayrshire is unusual in having cups and connecting troughs, but no rings and it may therefore have been abandoned at an early stage in its use. Often up to five concentric rings are found circling the central cup.

==Scottish Standing Stones==

===Stone Arrangements===
[[File:Rothiemay Castle Stone Circle - Historic Scotland ref. Rothiemay 344 - Canmore ID 17820.jpg|thumb|[[Rothiemay Stone Circle]]]]
There are several [[stone circle]]s (and other arrangements such as the Celtic Cross formation of the Callanish Stones) in Scotland.
* [[Calanais]] ([[Callanish Stones|Callanish I]])
* [[Callanish II]]
* [[Callanish III]]
* [[Callanish IV]]
* [[Callanish VIII]]
* [[Callanish X]]
* [[Cullerlie stone circle]]
* [[Dunnideer stone circle]]
* [[Easter Aquhorthies]]
* [[Loanhead of Daviot stone circle]]
* [[Ring of Brodgar]]
* [[Sunhoney]]
* [[Temple Wood]]
* [[The Ringing Stone]]
* [[Rothiemay Stone Circle]]

===Scottish standing stones===
[[File:Arthurlie stone.jpg|right|thumb|200px|{{center|The Arthulie Stone or Cross near Barrhead in Renfrewshire.}}]]
There are several well-known [[menhir|lone standing stone]]s in Scotland.
* [[Achavanich]]
* [[Ballymeanoch]]
* [[Clach an Trushal]]
* [[Comet Stone]]
* [[Hill o'Many Stanes]]
* [[Nether Largie]]
* [[Stones of Stenness]]
* [[Watch Stone]]
* [[Maiden Stone]]
* [[Yarrow Stone]], [[Selkirk, Scottish Borders|Selkirk]]
* [[Dunfallandy Stone]]
* [[Picardy Stone]]
* [[Ravenswood standing stone]]

===Scottish picture stones===
There are a number of famous [[Picture stone]]s with carvings on them in Scotland.
* [[The Goose Stone]]
* [[Tillytarmont]]
* [[Red Hill Stone]]
* [[Aberlemmo Territorial Stone]]

===Scottish recumbent stones===
* [[Easter Aquhorthies|Easter Aquhorthies Recumbent Stone Circle]]
* [[Korskellie Recumbent Stone]]
* [[Avochie Recumbent Stone]]
* [[The Wolf Stone]], [[Brora]], [[Sutherland|East Sutherland]]
* [[Brandsbutt Stone]]
* [[Carlin stone]], [[Dunlop, East Ayrshire|Dunlop]], East Ayrshire

==See also==
* [[List of individual rocks]]
* [[Thurgartstone]]
* [[Barony and Castle of Corsehill|Corsehill]]
* [[Rocking Stones]]
* [[Corsehill, Lainshaw, Robertland and Dunlop]]

== References ==
<references/>
* MacIntosh, John (1894). Ayrshire Nights Entertainments: A Descriptive Guide to the History, traditions, Antiquities, etc. of the County of Ayr. Pub. Kilmarnock. p.&nbsp;195.
* Mack, James Logan (1926). The Border Line. Pub. Oliver & Boyd.
* [http://www.darkisle.com/circles.html Dark Isle webpage list of Scottish stone circles]
* [http://www.scotland-inverness.co.uk/stones.htm A list of some Scottish stone circles]
* [http://www.abdn.ac.uk/~lib266/stones/main.htm A list of Scottish recumbent stone circles]
* [http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/aburnham/scot/index.htm Scottish stone monuments]
* [http://www.stonesofwonder.com/ A guidebook to stone observatories in Scotland]

== External links ==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aKcHUqSLEs&feature=youtu.be Ayrshire's ancient stones]
* [http://www.scotlandone.com/galleries/medium-299 Thurgatstane Photo]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfUe-QJGraw Video and commentary on the Thurgartstone]
* [https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=zT2-g50fhYc Video of Scottish Glacial Erratics in History, Myth & Legend]
{{European Standing Stones}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Stones Of Scotland}}
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Scotland]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Scotland]]
[[Category:Megalithic monuments in Scotland]]
[[Category:Stones]]
[[Category:Landforms of Scotland]]
[[Category:Stone of Scone]]