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Two neighbouring chambered cairns on Whiting Bay on Arran are known as the Giants' Graves (although some sources record only one Giant's Grave). It is possible that the giant or giants concerned have something to do with the following tradition.
The Name of this Isle is by some derived from Arran, which in the Irish language signifies Bread: Others think it comes more probably from Arjn or Arfyn, which in their language is as much, as the Place of the Giant fin-Ma-Cowls Slaughter or Execution...the received Tradition of the great Giant Fin-Ma-Cowls Military Valour, which he exercised upon the Ancient Natives here, seems to favour this Conjecture; this they say is evident from the many Stones set up in diverse Places of the Isle, as Monuments upon the Graces of Persons of Note that were killed in Battle.
Martin Martin 1695
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Posted by drewbhoy 25th March 2024ce |
In the Moor on the East-side Druin-cruey there is a circle f stones, the Area is about thirty Paces; there is a Stone of same shape and kind about forty Paces to the West of the Circle, the Natives say that this Circle was made by the giant Fin-Mac-Cowl, and that to the single Stone Bran-Fin-Mac-Cowls Hunting dog was usually tied......There is a circle of Big-stones to the South of Druin Cruey, the Area of which about is twelve Paces; there is a broad thin Stone in the middle of this Circle, supported by three lesser Stones, the Ancient inhabitants are reported to have burnt their Sacrifices on the broad Stone, in the time of Heathenism.
Martin Martin 1695
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Posted by drewbhoy 19th March 2024ce |
A single Druidical stone is visible in front of the farm house of Sannox, in the middle of the green field. Many remains of a similar kind are still extant in the mosses and glens of the island. Of late much has been done to solve the enigma of those monoliths.
A pretty tradition has been handed down of a daughter of Fingal going out to meet her lover in the woods, having disguised herself by dressing in man's clothes; her lover, deceived by the circumstance, espied her amid the thick wooding, and, supposing her a foe, took his bow and drew an arrow from his quiver, and unfortunately killed his love. On the ground where she fell, he raised the tall monolith to commemorate the sad event, and had a second placed for himself not far from it - committing self-immolation. Her remains were buried entire, but his received all a chieftain's honours and druidical rites, placed in an urn, inside a stone chest, alongside of his love.
Such is the tradition as handed down. There is still a love of the superstitious and the marvellous amongst the islanders. Yet, strange it is, in the very centre and civilization here are as great attempts to revive that ancient spirit of magic, hence those seances and impositions. There seems little doubt now regarding one use of those stones, that they were raised to mark the last resting place of the ashes of the great. This seems quite established. In the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 9th August 1862.
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Posted by Rhiannon 29th May 2023ce |
30/08/22
"Raving On The Moors"
- Julian Cope.
Taking in the natural surroundings of these Stones, birds chirping, sheep bleating and long grass rustling in the wind as I began to walk pass the fenced off cairn and various other stone circulars of various shapes and sizes before approaching the main attraction of the three tall sandstones standing stones with a fourth stone to similar description located on a side path where two archeologists where using some equipment.
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Posted by Hornby Porky 13th September 2022ce |
Stronach Wood on BRAC
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Posted by markj99 4th January 2021ce
Edited 9th January 2021ce |
King's Cave on BRAC Updated
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Posted by markj99 4th January 2021ce |
Showing 1-10 of 686 posts. Most recent first | Next 10
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