Peter Martin - In memoriam

[Streetcar]

This was passed on by a friend of mine.

"Peter Martin has passed away at the age of 70. Who was Peter Martin, you ask? He was the pre-eminent historian of the 'manhood stones' of Scotland, the keeper of their histories, and co-author of the book Of Stones and Strength. I was armed with this book on our honeymoon, back in 2000, and guided by it as I sought out famous hunks of rock to test my mettle.


In the picture below, he is posing with his favorite: the Testing Stone of the Fianna, in Glen Lyon, Scotland. Lifting this 300+ pound boulder was among the 'entrance exams' for membership in the Scottish Fianna (the name originating in Ireland for bands of Celtic warriors) -- 1500 years ago! The history of the stone has been passed down, and folks have been seeking it out ever since. It lives in a very remote place, on someone's property, among disinterested farm animals.


I found this stone after searching (i.e. driving) most of an afternoon on narrow little roads, and finally managed to lift it with lots of grunting and cursing. It was quite an experience, given the depth of its history. Don't be too impressed, though -- me being quite a bit younger and larger than Peter, who continued returning to Glen Lyon and lifting this stone into his 60s! This photo is from his last visit to the stone, when he couldn't lift it anymore.


Peter continued writing articles for the strength athletics journal MILO right up to the end. He will be greatly missed by those of us with a keen interest in the history and folklore he kept alive. Please raise your next glass of single malt in his honor!"

[Chaplain Harris]

Sounds like a great person, he will be missed.

[Dirk Skene]

This was passed on by a friend of mine.

"Peter Martin has passed away at the age of 70. ........Please raise your next glass of single malt in his honor!"

I will, my friend.

[mang1974]

Thanks for the interesting history lesson, and tribute.

[TimC]

Sorry for your loss - I will lift one in his honor.

-Tim