Basin Stone

On flat ground in a large natural amphitheatre and 31m N of the inauguration mound (CL034-095001-/CL034-095007-). Named 'Basin Stone' on the 1921 OS 6-inch map. A conglomerate Old Red Sandstone block (L 1.7m; Wth 0.9m; H 0.75m) with porphyritic and quartzite inclusions uncharacteristic of the otherwise limestone geology of the district. It is aligned E-W. The upper surface has two basins, the larger oval one is artificial (0.55m E-W; Wth 0.36m; D 0.1m). The function of the stone in relation to the inauguration site is unknown. FitzPatrick (2004, 56) notes that a basin stone also occurs at Dunadd in Argyll. The following image has been uploaded: CL034-095003-_01.jpg Bullaun stone from the NW with mound (CL034-095001-) in the background. Compiled by: Michael Moore and Leo Morahan Date of upload: 19 June 2018

Probably dating to the Early Christian or medieval period, the Basin Stone may have functioned as a ritual or ceremonial site, possibly associated with inauguration practices given its proximity to the inauguration mound. Its name may reflect a historical or folkloric use for water-related rituals.