Join Annie and Jenny deep in the Cairngorms, as they climb Ben Avon, but the summit isn’t the goal, instead, they take a detour to an astounding rock formation called Clach Bhan, or in English, the Women’s Stone. This rock formation overlooks the surrounding glens, and has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. Pregnant women from miles around would undertake an arduous trek to this point and ask the stone for a safe childbirth. But why this stone, three-quarters of the way up a mountain? What caused it to be here? Why are there numerous bowl-shaped holes, perfect for sitting? And most importantly, what drew women to this spot, in search of solace and safety? This episode is sponsored by WeeBox - go to www.weebox.co.uk and enter the code ‘Story10’ for an exclusive discount!You can support Stories of Scotland on patreon, visit www.patreon.com/storiesofscotland to join up!Some of the music you heard in this episode was beautifully played by Nicky Murray and Chloe Rodgers.References:Aberdeen Press and Journal. Old North Country Superstitions. 1877.Gordon J, Wignall R, Brazier N, Bruneau P, ‘Cairngorms, A landscape Fashioned by Geology’, Scottish National Heritage, 2006.Mason D. Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Inverness, volume xiv, 1887-1888. Inverness: Gaelic Society of Inverness; 1889.Northern Scot and Moray & Nairn Express. A Highland Village in the 18th Century. 1911.Sinclair J. Statistical Accounts of Scotland. Edinburgh: William Creech; 1794.Smith A. The history and antiquities of new and old Aberdeen. Aberdeen: A. Murray; 1882.

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