Ancient custom of the bedding of St Fillan’s healing stones is handed down

A centuries-old tradition is being passed on to younger generations in a tiny village.

The ancient ceremony of the bedding of St Fillan’s healing stones still takes place every year in Killin at the Breadalbane Folklore Centre, which is based in the Old Mill by the Falls of Dochart.

Dating back to the 8th Century, the ritual involves replacing the layer of river wrack, straw and twigs on which the eight stones nestle.

These are the only relic of St Fillan to be preserved on the site of his labours and were used to cure various afflictions, with each stone bearing some resemblance to the part of the body it was used to treat.

This year, the ceremony was led by Old Mill project manager, Franny Morrison, who was joined by local schoolchildren. They helped her collect straw and weeds, before returning the old bedding to the river.

The stones are displayed in the Breadalbane Folklore Centre and are still used for healing purposes, although this must be done by appointment and under supervision.