OS1/20/127/15

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 15 Parish of Anwoth

Note: Near the vicinity of the above circle in the adjoining parish of Kirkmabreck are other Circles of Stones Similar to the above (See Plan 42B) The minister of Kirkmabreck in the New Stat. Acct [Statistical Account] Speaks of these Circles in the following terms, "Here are a number of circles of Standing Stones in this parish, Such as those Supposed by Some to be the remains of Druidic temples, by others, courts of justice, and by not a few, the rude memorials of a battle field, intended to mark the Spot where the Slain had fallen and been buried. There is another conjectury concerning some of them, which although less romantic and less interesting to the antiquarian, may also be given in this as well as in many parishes of Galloway,
there were in olden times almost no fences. Sheep and Cattle were on this account more liable to stray from their own pasture. It was common therefore to have enclosures or pounds into which Strayed Cattle were put or pounded, till their owners found it Convenient to send for them. These enclosures were generally of stone and contained plenty of water for the use of the cattle when shut up. As fences became more abundant these pounds became less necessary and gradually fell into disuse the remains of which are still to be found in this as well as in many other parishes of Scotland. These runs are sometimes so far obliterated as to render it difficult to trace their outline, or to tell what purpose they had once served." From these remarks in the Stat. Acct [Statistical Account] & from enquiry in the locality of this object it was found advisable to write the word ("Supposed")