The Maiden’s Bower

In the shadow of the Lomond Hills, a tragic legend surrounds the strange rock formation known as the Bunnet Stane. A son and a daughter of opposing clan chiefs were madly in love and this iconic stone was where the couple would meet every day. Their fathers would both have been furious if they knew the pair were spending their days together, walking around the scenic hills and wooded dens.

The young woman's father eventually became suspicious of where she went every day and followed her out to the secret spot. He was filled with rage when he saw his rival’s son and heir in the arms of his only daughter. Not wanting to risk confronting him one on one, the old chief came up with a plan.

He hid with his sons on the hidden rocky ledges of the Bunnet Stane and waited for their target to arrive. The poor boy walked straight into the trap. When the girl arrived for another day of romance, she saw her father and brothers cutting her true love down instead.

She was distraught and refused to go home with her family. They dragged her back, but every day she would escape to the Bunnet Stane, just in case by some miracle her love would appear once again. Eventually, the old chief gave up trying to win his daughter back and she spent all of her time waiting at her old meeting spot.

To protect herself from the elements, the girl carved a little cave into the rock there which is still known as the Maiden's Bower.