The Modern Antiquarian. Ancient Sites, Stone Circles, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic Mysteries

Scotland   Central Scotland   South Lanarkshire  

Dechmont Hill

Hillfort

Nearest Town:Rutherglen (3km NW)
OS Ref (GB):   NS657582 / Sheet: 64
Latitude:55° 47' 53.83" N
Longitude:   4° 8' 33.37" W

Added by Rhiannon


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Folklore

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Dechmont Hill, situated in the parish of Cambuslang, was a place where our forefathers lighted the Beltane [fire]. In the Statistical Account of Scotland (1848) it is stated that a thick stratum of charcoal was discovered underneath a structure of fine loam on the summit of the hill. When the country people saw it they expressed no surprise, as the tradition was familiar to them that it was here where the former inhabitants of the country had been in the habit of lighting their Beltane.
From 'Old Scottish Customs' by E J Guthrie (1885). I can't see the story in the Statistical Account, though I could be looking in the wrong place.

(Yep - here
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=o5DVAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA83)
Rhiannon Posted by Rhiannon
2nd May 2010ce
Edited 26th April 2011ce