91Èȱ¬

This saddle quern was found in the lake in front of the house. There are crannogs (artificial lake islands built of stone and wood)in this and other lakes on the estate. Quern stones were used for grinding corn and indicate the domestic nature of occupation here from about 4,000 years ago. The surface has been "dressed" by "pecking" it - "pecking" knocks tiny holes into the rock and makes the stone into a more efficient grater. We also have many rotary querns from the crannogs but this saddle quern is special. If you run your hand over its surface you can feel a connection with people who lived here centuries ago. We love this place and this saddle quern is proof that people have been living here and loving it for many centuries. It also means that women have been wondering what to make for dinner here for over 4,000 years.