Largo Law rises sharply to a height of around 950ft above the farmland to the North East of Lundin Links. The remains of an ancient volcano, Largo Law was once a 'beacon hill'. For thousands of years, all over the world, hill tops have been used for keeping watch and for signalling warnings with fire. Over time, beacon warning systems would have become more co-ordinated and controlled. An iron fire basket or stone built turret would have been filled with combustible material ready to blaze up when ignited.
Someone would have manned the site, watching for contiguous warning signals to be lit. The Largo Law site may have been looking towards the Lomonds or Kellie Law for signals. The word 'Lomond' means beacon or blaze of light. Sometimes codes (eg one, two or three fires) may have been used to show the level of danger or the type of action required. The beacons may also have had a role in aiding navigation at sea. Of course, such beacons were dependent upon fine weather for visibility.
Someone would have manned the site, watching for contiguous warning signals to be lit. The Largo Law site may have been looking towards the Lomonds or Kellie Law for signals. The word 'Lomond' means beacon or blaze of light. Sometimes codes (eg one, two or three fires) may have been used to show the level of danger or the type of action required. The beacons may also have had a role in aiding navigation at sea. Of course, such beacons were dependent upon fine weather for visibility.
Just for fun, a mock up (left) of a beacon lit on Largo Law!
More on beacons / bonfires tomorrow.
More on beacons / bonfires tomorrow.
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