| 050 Standing
Stone, Dabshead Hill, Lauder. |
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Description
The standing stone on the summit of Dabshead Hill, which is also
within the perimeter of a hill fort, stands 3.50m high, 1.00m
wide and 0.40m thick. It is now leaning at a very severe angle
and is only prevented from collapse by the large modern stone
cairn and iron bindings around the base. There are five large
cup marks on the stone and several other depressions near the
top of its south-west side. The origin and date of these marks
cannot be ascertained although they may have already been
present prior to the erection of the stone. It has been
suggested that the stone was originally located north of the
circle on Borrowston Rig and may have formed part of the rituals
associated with the area. Whether it was lying prone on the
ground or erect as a standing stone is not known, although the
latter seems most likely.
Directions
From Lauder, follow the A697 for Duns. Turn left at High Cross
then right at Newbigging Walls. Follow the road to Barncastle
Farm. Walk down the track to the valley floor then follow the
track right along, round and up Dabshead Hill.
Parking
By roadside at Barncastle Farm or alternatively, request
permission to park in the farm yard.
Folklore
The stone was probably erected in its current location
as a monument in the 19th century, on the marriage of the
Countess of Meath. Another reference, original unknown,
mentions the Baron's Stone, sepulchre of a great Chief who
died on the battle field. It has been suggested that the
stone was originally located north of the circle on
Borrowston Rig and may have formed part of the rituals
associated with the area. Whether it was lying prone on the
ground or erect as a standing stone is not known, although
the latter seems most likely.
Fieldnotes
Several references seen to point out that this stone was erected
only recently, some time in the 19th Century. However, another
reference in an old book, the title of which I've lost, refers
to the "Lang Stane" on Dabshead Hill ("lang"
means long in Lowland Scots). There is also a note that the
stone originated from Dye Water, about 10 miles to the west, as
the crow flies. I suppose this is entirely possible, as the
stone could easily have been moved on a strong cart with a good
team of heavy horses. Ordnance Survey Explorer 345 reveals a
number of interesting place names. Lylestone Hill, Lylestane
farm, Lylestane Burn and Lylestane Plantation hint at other
earlier associations with the stone. The two names,
"Lyle" and "lang" also seem to close to be
mere coincidence.
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