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Standing Stone, Gogar, Edinburgh. |
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Description
The Gogar Stane or Gogar Stone stands on the
crest of a slight ridge in the middle of a large cultivated
field and is a large four-sided block of whinstone reaching a
height of 1.35m and has a girth of 2.60m at base.
Directions
From A8 Edinburgh - Glasgow road, turn in at Gogar Stone and then
turn first right. Lay-by is before the trees. A gap in the hedge
will take you into the field. If under cultivation please walk
along the perimeter of the field and approach the stone by
following any tractor tracks.
Parking
Small lay-by to south of stone.
Folklore
There is some reference locally to the stone marking the
site of a Viking burial but the stone is probably much
older. However, it may have had past associations with other
ritual sites in the vicinity. Gogar Stone, a nearby farm was
once the site for a medieval village, though no trace now
remains. The name Gogar, may be derived from "cog"
or "gowk" an Old Scots term for cuckoo, a bird
with known ritual significance.
Fieldnotes
This is a good solid standing stone, situated on a prominent
ridge of high ground with excellent open views all round. With
the surrounding area under cultivation, probably for centuries,
little can be seen that would give any indication to the stones
original purpose. However, to the north, around Ratho, stands
the Cat Stane and at Newbridge other stones can be found. A
further stone remains at Cammo. Possible connections, we can
only speculate?
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