Puitrac Standing Stone - Balquidder

This is an isolated standing stone in a paddock about 1km East of Balquidder Church. This was possibly once part of a stone circle and, whilst the other stones have long since disappeared, this has survived due to its use as a lifting stone. Centuries ago, lifting stone were widespread in the highlands and used as trsts of strength and perhaps initiation into manhood. This use would have ensured the Puidrac Stone's protection and consequent survival. The rock adjacent to the standing stone is not the original lifting stone but a modern subsitute. The original was disposed of by a local minister in the C19th. A second stone, placed a little further from the standing stone is the actual lifting stone from the, now disappeared, standing stone that stood at Monachyle, further West down the glen. This boulder found found recently by a lifting stone enthusiast and its veracity can be confirmed by the knocks and scapes on it from its past use.