A story shared by Chris Nicolson…
One of the most fascinating stories I have heard relates to the sleeping giant in the hills. I lived in Armadale for fifteen years and had views of the hills every day. Many years ago an older gentleman I met walking pointed out to me that you could see a sleeping giant in the hills.
He traced the skyline with his finger, pointing to the giants head, chest, stomach, knees and feet. I could see it clearly and was keen to find out more.
I’ve asked loads of people about it over the years. Have heard a few tales, but been unable to confirm any. I have learned a couple of things though..
I’d love to hear what stories anyone here has found related to the giant.
Here is what I know….
He lies with his head in the south, at Raven’s Craig. The dip between Raven’s Craig and the Knock is his throat. (I smile when I hear walkers puffing up the slope muttering it’s a pain in the neck! It IS his neck!)
The Knock, and the high point just to the west, mark out his chest.
Cairnpapple is his navel. (interesting symbology with the womb like tombs in the sacred site.) I also have some other info tying this place to womb/navel symbology. That huge transmitter next door shows exactly where the navel is.
To the North West of Cairnpapple, a series of stepped ridges are known as the Giants Knuckles, or, more commonly, the Knuckles. They sit in the perfect location for the giant’s resting left hand.
The large standing stone, known as the Seceder’s stane, that used to be in the field just to the North of Cairnpapple was perfectly placed as his phallus. The windmill that stands in it’s ancient place can perhaps now be seen in a different light….
Witch Craig is the knees of the sleeping giant. Furthest to the North, Cockleroy is the feet.
Want to see it? There are a few good spots. The Rowan tree and Asda car park are good options. Any spot in Armadale where you get a clear view of the hills is perfect. The road to the scrappy is a good place too.
I did hear a couple of cool stories, but have no idea if I was just being told fancy tales or not. I was told the giant was called The Raven. He had long flowing black hair. Anyone know this story?
You heard any stories of giants in them thar hills?
