The Altarstone

Buried in the undergrowth above Stobo village is found this Altarstone - thought to have been in a sacred grove from the pre-Christian era.   Half of it was removed as some point to Stobo Kirk, the church dedicated to the Celtic Saint, St Mungo.

The most compelling legend from this era is that St Mungo converted that famous figure from Arthurian legend, Merlin , to Christianity and baptised him at this altar.    The story goes that Merlin, one of two historical figures later combined to form the Merlin in the Arthurian legend, had been living in the forests that covered the area since the defeat of the army of Gwenddoleu by the King of Strathclyde in 573. The event is depicted in a stained glass window in the church.
Extra:   Upper Tweedale from a spot near the Altarstone.