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Gourock, Kempock Street, Kempock Stone

Standing Stone (Prehistoric)

Site Name Gourock, Kempock Street, Kempock Stone

Classification Standing Stone (Prehistoric)

Alternative Name(s) Granny Kempock Stone

Canmore ID 41326

Site Number NS27NW 5

NGR NS 24078 77856

Datum OSGB36 - NGR

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/41326

Ordnance Survey licence number AC0000807262. All rights reserved.
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Administrative Areas

  • Council Inverclyde
  • Parish Inverkip
  • Former Region Strathclyde
  • Former District Inverclyde
  • Former County Renfrewshire

Archaeology Notes

NS27NW 5 24078 77856

(NS 24077785) Kempock Stone (NR)

OS 1:1250 map (1965)

The Kempock Stone, a monolith of mica-schist about 6ft high and 2ft in diameter, stands at the top of the cliff overlooking Kempock Point. "Because of its faint resemblance to a mantled figure with a shrouded head, it is more popularly known as "Granny Kempock" (TSA 1962).

Sailors and fishermen used to perform propitiatory rites round it, seeking favourable omens; local marriages were not regarded as lucky unless the wedded pair passed round the stone. In 1662, Mary Lamont, who was burned as a witch confessed to having attended a meeting when it was intended to throw the stone into the sea.

T G Snoddy 1950; F H Groome 1903

The stone is of the dimensions given above and is protected by railings. It is known locally as "Granny Kempock's Stone".

Visited by OS (JD) 23 July 1955

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