OS1/2/60/104
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STANDING STONE (Crois Mhic Aoidh or Mackay's Cross) | Crois Mhic Caidh Crois Mhic Caidh Crois Mhic Caidh Crois Mhic Aoidh |
A. Mitchell, Arnicle, Glenbarr Robert Stewart, Glenbarr Duncan McMillan Glenbarr Gaelic Orthography. |
246 | This name is applied to a standing Stone situated a little to the south of Doire na Earbag about 5 1/2 feet in height, 3 in breadth, & about 9 inches in thickness. "King Robert Bruce was a fugitive in Kintyre, after being defeated by the English, and a great reward was offered for his head, dead or alive. The King came over Sliabh-gaoil, and was exposed to many hardships, and laid himself down on the side of this dreary mountain at night; being cold, tired, and hungry, it is said that a goat came and lay beside him, keeping him warm, and nourishing him with her milk. He made a law afterwards that no goat should be poinded. Next morning he proceeded on his journey towards Kintyre, and met a poor man begging his bread. The King, being very hungry, asked the poor man if he had any food. The beggar answered that he had only a little barley meal. The King said it was very good; and on coming to a spring of water, took off his shoe, and moistened the meal in the heel, making a hearty meal. When the King came to Kintyre, he wandered down Carradale-side, and came to the wood of Bunlaradh, near Saddall. The place was very lonely, but he met a man, and asked his name. The stranger put the same question to the King; neither would answer, but both took sword in hand, and fought desperately for some time. Both were equally expert, and becoming exhausted, sat down to rest. Twice they renewed the combat, and twice exhausted themselves. The King said it was pitiful work they had, alone in such a dreary place; that it would answer no good end though they should kill one another. "Tell me your name" said he "and I will tell you mine". "Jague" replied the stranger. "I am Robert Bruce" say the King. "I am General Douglas" said his adversary. They threw aside their swords, embraced and kissed each other. The King went with his friend to Ugadale. Mackay who resided there, invited them to his house, without knowing who they were, and, according to the general custom of the Kintyre people, entertained them with great kindness, giving them meat & drink, with a comfortable bed to sleep on. Next morning, after partaking of a substantial breakfast, the King asked Mackay to show them the way to the west side of Kintyre. Mackay most willingly went with them; and when they came to Beinn an Turic they saw both sides of Kintyre, and did not take Mackay any farther, but thanked him for his kindness and hospitality; at the same time telling him that he was King Robert Bruce, and asking him what favour he would wish to receive, providing the King would be successful in obtaining the crown again. Mackay said, that if he had Ugadale and Arnicle he would be as happy as a King. The King promised him these two large farms. The place where they stood at that time is marked by a stone, called to this day "Cross Mhic Caidh", the cross of Mackay. The after life of the King is matter of history; his great battle of Bannock-burn is celebrated in song, and will continue to be memorable as long as the [continued on page 105] |
Continued entries/extra info
[Page] 104246 -- Parishes of Kilean & Kilkenzie -- Argyllshire
Transcribers who have contributed to this page.
Alison James- Moderator, hillhere
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