Standing Stone - Broomfields, Largs

Image: © Raibeart MacAoidh Taken: 27 Feb 2018

This standing stone has been moved several times. It is noted in the Statistical Account (OSA) as ‘fallen’. It was re-erected by Dr John Cairnie of Curling Hall in 1823 in his garden near to the original site. It was moved again in 1956 to another position in the garden, of what was then the Marine and Curlinghall Hotel. When the hotel was demolished it was re-located to its present position on Broomfields. Locally known as Haco's Stone. There used to be a bronze plaque attached to it which stated that "Here is buried Haco of Stein". But as we know, King Haakon sailed to Orkney after the Battle of Largs and died at Bishop's Palace, Kirkwall. Here is the inscription in Latin, followed by the translation. "Substilit Hic Gothi Furar." Conditur hic HACO STENIENSIS et undique circum Norvegios fidos terra tegit socios. Huc regnum venere petentes SCOTIA victor Hostibus hic tumulos praemia justa. dedit Quarto ante Nonas Octobris, A.D. MCCLXIII LARGIS. Ipsis Kalendis Junii, A.D. MDCCCXXIII, Me posuit jussitque Ioannes Carnius illam Rem memorare tibi; Tu memores aliis. "Here ended the rage of the Goth" Here is buried Haco of Stein, and everywhere around the earth covers his faithful Norwegian comrades. Hither they came seeking a kingdom here to her foes victorious Scotland gave graves, their just reward. 4 October 1263. At Largs 1 June A.D. 1823 John Cairnie erected me, and charged me to remind thee of that event; do thou remind others.

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