The Clochoderick Stone

Pronounced (Claw-haw-der-ick), this is a particularly fine example of a glacial erratic, composed of volcanic rock which is differing from the soil on which it rests, but similar to bedrock occurring in the hills a few miles to the North and West, and deposited here from Inveraray in Argyll during the last ice age around 18,000 years ago. (approx 50 miles away from Kilbarchan).

It has been told in folklore that a giant named Clochoderick, had a stone in his boot, took it out and threw it to where it remains today.

Legend asserts it's use by the druids as a site for dispensation of justice, (Clochoderik means "Stone of Druid" in the old language).

On this rocking stone depending how the stone moved with the accused in place, innocent or guilty was decreed.

These stones are also known a "Logan Stones", the word logan derived from a Cornish expression describing the movement of a person when he is "drunk". 

Considerable research establishes Rydderick Hael's crushing victory over paganism at Athuret (Near Carlisle), resulting in the conversion of the country to Christianity. 

 A small chapel was erected nearby in the 6th century dedicated to St Brigid the Abbess of Kildare, according to myths there was a sacred flame tended by nuns which reflected Jesus Christ as the light of the world. The chapel was torn down during the Scottish reformation in the 16th century. No physical evidence of it remains.

Legend has it Rydderick raised the stone in memory of his victories although others have theorised that this was the site where Rhydderch was pronounced King, or that it marks the sight of his burial.

More information on Rydderick Hael:  http://www.britannia.com/bios/ebk/ridercsc.html

More information on Clochoderik stone: http://www.clannarthur.com/allpages/newspages/paislyexpress.htm

More information on Rocking Stones of Scotland: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stones_of_Scotland