In the early 18th Century there lived a MacKinnon from Strath on Skye known as Glagan Gluin 'an Triubhais Bhric translated as "Shaky Knees of the grey trousers". MacKinnon was a local man celebrated for his strength and although his supposed nickname appears at first to be demeaning in a fashion, it is far from it. MacKinnon was a resident of Suishnish, a short distance from the township of Boreraig and a small un-bridged stream set in a steep gully separated both communities. MacKinnon was reputed to have carried an 18cwt flat slab of rock to bridge the gully but what is known is that when it was being secured, MacKinnon took the full weight of one side of the slab on his knees. Most certainly his knees shook while he took the weight and consequently, the bridge which still exists, is known as Drochaid Glagan Gluine - the bridge of shaky knees. For as long as the bridge remains, so too will be the memory of Shaky Knees MacKinnon.
Although not strictly a lifting stone but a stone that was lifted once for a purpose, it is both an immense feat of strength and a very cool story that needs to be remembered.
Although I haven't managed to get there myself I will get there this summer. A three mile walk to get there.
Boreraig is a hauntingly beautiful ruined village that was cleared in 1853 during the highland clearances.
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