Bennachie

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1890 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. ITS BALLAD LORE. THE GIANT OF THE HILL. According to tradition, Bennachie was of old guarded by a giant, known by the name of Jock o' Bennachie. Jock's dimensions were somewhat enormous, as may be understood from the extent of ground which he required for his bed. The bed is still shown, and is known as " Little John's Length," Jock, despite his exceptional height, being familiarly styled "Little Johnnie." Little John's Length, as already stated, is situated to the east of Craig Shannoch, and is the space between two small craigs, the lower of which has been recently quarried. One of these craigs is about 1440 feet, and the other 1400, above sea level. The distance between them is about 600 feet, so that Jock must have been tall, even for a giant. The spot where Jock dried his "sark " is also pointed out on the north-west of Craig Shannoch, and is easily distinguishable as the ascent is made from Oyne. It has a general resemblance to the garment named, being produced by the heather and turf having been at one time cut away from a bit of the hill face. Jock seems to have required all his huge proportions to combat with his foes, who were both powerful and numerous, his principal opponent being Jock o' Noth. Noth is a well-known hill in the parish of Rhynie and district of Strathbogie, some thirteen miles to the north-west of Bennachie. That distance did not prevent a pretty frequent exchange of compliments, in the shape of huge boulders, between the two. On Tap o' Noth (it is said!) may yet be seen a stone with the mark of five gigantic fingers thereon, which, according to popular tradition, was thrown by Jock o' Bennachie from Oxen Craig at Jock o' Noth. The latter, on this particular occasion, retaliated by raising a huge...