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008 Blue Stane, Fife
Ness, Crail.
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Description
The Blue Stane, one of three similar stones found in the Kingdom
of Fife, can be found on the shore at Balcomie beach, near Fife
Ness. This large glacial erratic boulder sits within the tidal
range of the beach and care should be taken when visiting. It is
readily visible from the shore should the tide be in.
Directions
From the A917 road at Crail, take the sign-posted minor road
leading to Fife Ness. Continue on until the road ends at Balcomie
Golf Club. There, proceed on foot down to the shore and head north
east towards St. Andrews. Consideration should be given for
golfers on the course. The stone can be seen below the high tide
line just after the point where the sand ends and the more rocky
shore begins.
Parking
Parking is available for a small charge at Balcomie Golf Club.
Folklore
This stone is said to be one half of a stone thrown by
the Devil from the Isle of May, a small island out in the
Firth of Forth. The Devil was trying to destroy the church
at Crail but the stone split in mid-air with one part
falling at Fife Ness and the other missing the church at
Crail. This latter fragment can be seen outside the church
entrance. Fieldnotes
This stone, as well as the stone at Crail Parish Church,
exhibits evidence of a blue colouration. Some commentators have
suggested that this may be due to paint but the natural
geological composition of the rock also exhibits a blue colour
when fresh.
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