StoneLore Podcast

The Fianna Stone, known to locals as the Bodach Craigh, may well be perhaps the oldest remaining test of strength known to man. Local folklore states that those being able to lift the stone would be entitled to lift the heavy spear of Morven and allow them to fight alongside the Fianna warriors.

Joining me to discuss this infamous stone is Dr. Bill Crawford (@doc.roccc). Along with Martin Jancsics (@thestoneman265), Dr. Bill co-authored the book Stonelifting: An Ancient Test of Strength Revived and is also well-known due to his involvement with Rogue Fitness’ (@roguefitness) Scottish heavy athletics as well as their documentary Stoneland. 

Join us as we explore everything from the stone’s pre-Celtic origins, its use as a rite of passage into manhood, and the romanticized tales that give it its legendary status and mystique. Dr. Bill also shares the story of another nearby stone that helped end the Black Plague in 664 AD. All of this and more, so sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things FIANNA STONE!

BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

In this episode, we dive deep into the history and folklore attached to The Wallace Putting Stone & Plinth in Sheriffmuir, Scotland. Dating back to 1297, this stone is the very object that William Wallace used to train with and display his heroic power. 

I am joined by none other than Jamie Gorrian (@bigsexygrandad101) from Alloa, Scotland. Jamie was prominently featured in Maximum Iron’s documentary titled Stones: The Rise, Fall, and Rise of Scottish Stonelifting. He also single handedly repositioned The Wallace Plinth and recreated the Arc of the Seven Stanes; a site mentioned in the Dunblane Traditions by John Monteath in 1887.

Join us as we delve into the backstory of William Wallace and also explore the events surrounding the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Jamie also shares a well known story about a local stone mason that wanted to lift The Wallace Putting Stone and how he achieved his goal. All of this and more awaits, so sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things WALLACE STONES!

BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW ​​https://pod.link/1772997849

In this episode, we will be covering the Barevan Stone in Cawdor, Scotland. This stone is unique due to its location in a 14th century churchyard alongside a mysterious open coffin.

I am joined by an extremely special guest: Martin “The Stone Man” Jancsics (@thestoneman265) from Elgin, Scotland. He was prominently featured in Rogue Fitness’s documentary Stoneland and in Maximum Iron’s documentary titled STONES: The Rise, Fall, and Rise of Scottish Stonelifting. Martin was also the first man in modern times to lift the Barevan Stone.

Join us as we spend time exploring the history of the medieval church, as well as the methods of torture used by the clergy and how the Barevan Stone comes into play. Martin also shares an interesting new theory as to the significance of the stone, so sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things BAREVAN STONE!

BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW https://pod.link/1772997849

In this debut episode, we will be covering The MacPhee Lifting Stone in Islay, Scotland, exploring the rich history of this location, and uncovering little known facts about Clach MacPhee.

My special guest is New England Stonelifting's own Jarrett McPhee (@newenglandstonelifting) from Rhode Island. He recently visited and lifted this stone a few months ago, becoming the first McPhee in 400 years to accomplish a successful lift.

Jarrett shares information from John Dewar, author of John Dewar's Islay, Jura and Colonsay (https://www.johndewarpublishers.com/john-dewars-islay-jura-and-colonsay/) which covers the incredible story of how The MacPhee Stone became a test of strength. He also gives us an in-depth description of the stone itself and the challenges it presents when attempting a lift. Sit back and enjoy as we have at it, discussing all things CLACH MACPHEE!

BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW OUR SHOW https://pod.link/1772997849

Join me, Jonathan "Wulfgar" Shears, every month, as we journey through time discovering and recovering the fables, myths, and legends of ancient stones and stones of strength. This is the StoneLore Podcast!