The split rock of the Praying Hands standing on the hillside above Glen Lyon in evening light.
Perthshire

Praying Hands of Mary

A great split boulder on the hillside above Glen Lyon, its two halves standing like hands raised in prayer, said to have been split by an arrow of Fionn.

Welcome

High on the open hillside above Glen Lyon, a great boulder stands split clean down the middle, its two tall halves leaning together with their tips almost touching, like a pair of hands pressed together in prayer.

It is known as the Praying Hands of Mary, and in Gaelic as Clach na Sgoltadh, the split stone.

Its other name, Fionn's Stone, comes from the old stories: the rock is said to have been split by an arrow shot by Fionn mac Cumhaill, the giant hero of Gaelic legend. Seen against the sky, with the long green valley opening out below, it has a strange, still presence.

The rock is reached by a steep path from the glen road near Camusvrachan, climbing through the forest to the open hill, with wide views of Glen Lyon from the top. Longer walks carry on round the hills above Bridge of Balgie.

The Daily

Arrives at 5am every day.

A free morning email to see what’s on this week, catch up on what’s happening in Scotland and find somewhere new to go.

The Daily for 31 October, from Scotland with love. A ring of standing stones set among mist and autumn birch
Not farCastle Menzies14 milesSee itCastle Menzies
Before you go

Free, at any time.

A path climbs through the forest from the Glen Lyon road near Camusvrachan to the open hillside where the rock stands.

Where
The hillside south of the River Lyon, near Camusvrachan and Bridge of Balgie.
Also called
Fionn's Stone, Clach na Sgoltadh.

Been here? Tell others what you know, and the best go on this page with your name.

Add your review

Recommend to a friend

Stay nearby

Places to stay near the rock, and when each is next free.

Hidden Scotland, the magazine

Scotland, in print.

We want to show you the best that Scotland has to offer. The makers and the creatives, the enduring experiences, the evocative tales, the concealed corners. The roads less travelled that take you to places that matter. The adventures that gather you up and sweep you away. The blend of the wild and the artistic that makes Scotland what it is. We’d love for you to join us.

Find out more

For further reading, before you go. The details on this page were checked on .