Lochmaben Stone, Standing stone in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
The Lochmaben Stone is a granite megalith standing near the Solway Firth in the borderlands. This substantial block rises roughly 2 metres high with considerable girth, making it a striking landmark in the surrounding countryside.
The stone was erected in prehistoric times and became a formal border marker between England and Scotland from around 1300 onwards. It served as a neutral ground for negotiations and prisoner exchanges during the centuries when border tensions ran high.
This stone served as a meeting place where people from both sides of the border gathered for exchanges and gatherings. Visitors can still sense the historical importance of this crossing point when standing near it.
The stone sits away from main roads and is reached by walking paths from the nearby Old Graitney Farmhouse area. Visitors should wear proper footwear as access involves walking across fields in variable weather conditions.
The stone toppled over in 1982 and excavation work revealed charcoal deposits beneath it. These findings suggest the monument had ties to ancient ritual activities and proved to be far older than previously thought.
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