Granny Kempock Stone

Kempock Street, Gourock's main street, takes its name from a 6ft tall slab of grey mica shist which sits just a short walk from the town centre and is called the Granny Kempock Stone, due to its uncanny resemblance to an old hunched woman wearing a hood or cloak

The Rev David McCrae wrote in 1880 "It was chiefly in connection with the winds and sea that the Kempoch Stane was regarded with superstitious dread ... sailors and fishermen were wont to take a basketful of sand from the shore and walk seven times round Granny Kempoch, chanting a weird song to ensure for themselves a safe and prosperous voyage."

Legend has it that in 1662 Mary Lamont plotted with the devil to toss the stone into the sea, bringing catastrophy and failure to the fishing fleet. She was tried and found guilty of the crime and was burned to death. Some say on a full moon you can still see her dancing with the devil round the stone. For those brave enough to visit Granny Kempock stone it sits above Kempock Street and up a narrow winding flight of stairs linking Kempock Street with John Street.