Cairn O'Mount, The Song
Cairn-o-Mount was originally published in 1820 as a poem titled "Donald. a ballad" by Alexander Balfour of Monikie near Forfar.
Cairn O Mounth/Cairn O Mount (Scottish Gaelic: Carn Mhon) is a high mountain pass in Aberdeenshire. The place name is a survival of the ancient name for what are now call the Grampian Mountains, earlier called "the Mounth" (Gaelic: "monadh"). Before the modern A90 road was constructed, the pass served as a major crossing points for those travelling over the Grampians to Deeside and into Northern Scotland. The ancient trackway is historically known as the Cairnamounth. The high granite tor of Clachnaben overlooks the road (now called the B974) through the pass.
Some believe you gain good luck by placing a stone atop of the cairn (see above). However, Clan Strachan recommends against this practice, as both cairns at the Cairn O'Mount are Neolithic burial sites, and, as one might imagine, crawling atop a grave in most cultures today is indeed an inappropriate sign of respect. Also, the two burial cairns are nationally listed sites listed on Canmore [nos. 36154 and 36155]. Subsequently, preservation of the site is of utmost importance. Instead, pay respect to a long lost relative of Clan Strachan by simply placing a hand on the cairn, and if so accustom to doing so, say a short prayer or leave flowers.
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