IT was interesting to learn that the unique Balmoral Cairngorm stone has been rediscovered (“Missing precious stone gifted to Queen Victoria is discovered in Balmoral.

The Rev Forsyth described how it was originally found in his book, In The Shadow of Cairngorm (1900): “The descent to Loch Avon may be made from Cairngorm by the Coire Domhain burn or other of the torrent beds. On the Feith Buide there is a narrow gulley, broken by ledges and falls. On the left side, among the shelving rocks, there is a hole or ‘pot’ about six feet deep, in which the late James Grant, Rivoan, found quite a treasure of Cairngorm stones … Among them was one stone of enormous size, upwards of 50lbs in weight, which was afterwards purchased by the queen for £50.”

James and his son Grigor did indeed cross the hills from Strath Nethy to Deeside, and the £50 must have been a huge bonus for their small croft. Ryvoan is situated in a picturesque spot near the Green Loch, and is today a well-known and well maintained bothy.

Over the years there have been searches for the “pot”, but without success.

Ian Collie,

UamVarich,

Perth Road,

Dunblane.