Yarrow stone

Heritage Site in Selkirkshire

Scotland

Yarrow stone

Young woodland, Kers Hope A lot of trees have been planted in various small plots around Yarrow. — Young woodland, Kers Hope Credit: Richard Webb

Yarrow stone is a historic heritage site located in Selkirkshire, Scotland. Situated in the Yarrow Valley, it holds great significance as a testament to the region's rich history and cultural heritage. The stone itself is a large standing stone, measuring approximately 2 meters in height, and is believed to date back to the Bronze Age, making it several thousand years old.

The Yarrow stone is made of local sandstone and stands prominently on a grassy mound, surrounded by picturesque scenery. Its precise purpose and significance remain a subject of debate among historians and archaeologists. Some theorize that it may have served as a ceremonial or religious marker, while others suggest it had practical functions, such as a boundary marker or a tombstone.

Regardless of its original purpose, the Yarrow stone has become an important symbol of the area's historical identity. It stands as a reminder of the ancient peoples who once inhabited the region and their cultural practices. The stone's weathered surface showcases the passage of time and the endurance of the historical landscape.

Today, the Yarrow stone attracts visitors from near and far who come to admire its beauty and explore the surrounding area. The site offers a tranquil setting for walking, picnicking, and contemplating the region's ancient past. It serves as a valuable educational resource, providing insight into the lives of our ancestors and their connection to the land. The Yarrow stone truly embodies the rich heritage of Selkirkshire and continues to be a cherished landmark for locals and tourists alike.

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Yarrow stone Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.537/-3.038 or Grid Reference NT3427. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Young woodland, Kers Hope

A lot of trees have been planted in various small plots around Yarrow.

Richard Webb

The Old Bridge, Yarrow

Selkirkshire's answer to Avignon, but probably seldom glimpsed from passing traffic.

Richard Webb

Road passing Deuchar

Under steep whin covered slopes.

Richard Webb

Deuchar Bridge

It’s getting more difficult to access the north bank of the Yarrow Water to take this shot with brambles and many saplings to negotiate. Only the north arch and central pier and cut-water remain from a two-arch bridge possibly dating from 1748. (Source: Pevsner Architectural Guides - Borders).

Walter Baxter

The Glebe Stone, Yarrow

A prehistoric standing stone close to the road in the Yarrow Valley.

Karl and Ali

Cattle at Yarrow

This rashy field is on the northwest side of Wester Kershope. Deuchar Hill is in the background.

Walter Baxter

A symbolic gravestone in Yarrow Kirkyard

This old gravestone on the east side of the kirk features a symbol of immortality with a winged soul at the top representing the human spirit while the skull and crossed bones below are symbols of mortality. The horizontal hourglass and crossed spade and turf cutter below the skull are also symbols of mortality but they are partially obscured by moss. This was taken in mid-December just before the sun dipped below the hills.

Walter Baxter

Yarrow Kirk in winter light

The owner of an adjacent property kindly let me use her external house steps to take this late afternoon winter shot just before the sun dipped below the hills. It was built in 1640 after the kirk moved from St Mary's of the Lowes, with major works in 1771-2 to heighten the walls and insert lofts. Further works were carried out in 1826 and 1876, but the character of the building was greatly modified in 1906 by the addition of a polygonal apse in the centre of the south wall. The churchyard contains a mixture of 17th, 18th and 19th century table tombs, headstones and obelisks, and there is a mounting block at the entrance gates. (Source: Pevsner Architectural Guide - Borders).

Walter Baxter

The Swire Road at Yarrow

This narrow road with passing places runs between the Yarrow and Ettrick Valleys. Snow still lingers after a weather system nicknamed “the beast from the east” brought prolonged snow over several days. A road closed sign due to snow was still in place at Yarrow Bridge when I took this photo but I think the road would have been open.

Walter Baxter