A GEOGRAPHY expert who spent some of his childhood summers in Gourock wants people to share their stories of a mysterious Inverclyde landmark.

Tim Edensor, who is professor of social and cultural geography at Manchester Metropolitan University, is researching the Granny Kempock stone.

With help from Dr Kenneth Brophy, archaeologist at the University of Glasgow, Tim will be writing a paper on the iconic structure, which stands on the cliff above Kempock Street.

The stone is of indeterminate origin, but it has been suggested that it is an old altar to a pagan god, or a memorial to an ancient battle.

There is also superstition that for sailors going on a long voyage or a couple about to be married, walking seven times around it would ensure good fortune.

The stone also has an association with witchcraft.

In 1662 a group of local women were burned to death after it was alleged that they had danced around the stone on the sabbath, with the intention of cursing and sinking shipping that passed through the Clyde.

Some believe the stone's original location may have been elsewhere and that it may have been used as an anchor stone or counterweight.

The professor is keen to find out more about the 'murky origins' of the prehistoric object and learn about where it came from.

He wants Tele readers to help him with that research.

Tim said: "In the 1960s, all my holidays were spent at my grandmother’s cottage near Bishopton.

"We would get the train to Gourock to take one of the Clyde steamers to Dunoon or Kilcreggan and before and after sailing we would visit Granny Kempock.

"Although this was a long time ago, I've often thought about the mysterious stone, enclosed in railings and with an amazing view of the Clyde.

"We want to collect all of the myths and stories that focus on Granny Kempock - from Victorian tales of witches, sailors and druids to the 1987 TV show, Shadow of the Stone.

"We're looking forward to hearing tales from the people of Inverclyde."

Tim is keen to hear about anyone with childhood memories and photos of the stone, or who has 'experienced mysterious episodes or sleepless nights' after a visit.

Stories and information should be emailed to Tim on t.edensor@mmu.ac.uk or passed on by calling 020 3524 6802.

Letters can also be sent by post to Tim Edensor, Professor of Social and Cultural Geography, Institute of Place Management, Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6BH.