The
displays at the Visitors Centre include the following
information about the Cockstane & Clan
MacThomas.
Myths & Legends of Glenshee &
Strathardle
Myths and Legends abound, originating in the
mists of time, but kept alive through the generations and
still remembered to this day!
Clach Na Coileach - The
Cockstane
The Cockstane lies just a few hundred
yards north of the Visitor Centre on the A93. On one
occasion, as the tax gatherers went on their rounds they took the
poultry of a poor widow who lived near Finegand, in a cottage
owned by McComie Mor. She complained to him that they had
taken more than their due, so he took off in pursuit of them.
When he caught up with them he demanded the return of the
fowls, but when this was refused he attacked the tax men and
put them to flight. On its release, the cockerel immediately
flew upon the large boulder and crowed to reclaim his
territory; and the rock was called the Cockstane from that day
on.
Every three years, descendants of the
McComie Mor, members of the Clan MacThomas from around the
world, gather around the Cockstane to remember the deeds of
the mighty McComie.
On one
occasion, as the tax gatherers went