Had another wee wander with the family down to the seashore in Prestonpans earlier this evening as our daily #Lockdown exercise quota.

We decided to visit the famous Johnnie Moat Stone while the tide was out. (1/7)

It has recently fallen once again from the position it had occupied for millennia, high on the "Girdle Rock".

For centuries it has been a renowned local landmark for the people of Prestonpans.

Here's a local antiquarian describing in 1902 how it got its name. (2/7)

Toppled by storm in 1952, local legend has since asserted this was a known harbinger of doom, proved in the 20 years that followed as all local industries closed.

Rockets Galore was released in 1958 with a VERY similar storyline. Which tale came 1st is now lost to history 3/7

After a long local community campaign it was raised again and pinned into position in 1992. But nature had its way once again and the big storm of 2010 knocked Johnnie Moat off his perch once more. (4/7)

I'm a collector of old picture postcards and brought one down with me today for a wee "before and after" shot.

There are lots of fabulous Victorian and Edwardian shots of Johnnie out there if you have a wee search. (5/7)

On the way back I was struck once again by the rich history that's worn into every nook and cranny of the Prestonpans seafront, just waiting to have their treasury of tales unlocked... (6/7)

Anyway, that's enough from me, here's our local bard @timstoryteller to properly tell you all about the Johnnie Moat as you drink your cocoa. Nighty night! (7/7)

Here's a lovely wee postscript to this thread on the Johnnie Moat Stone provided by @byrnesong to get your morning going with a tune: https://twitter.com/byrnesong/status/1248025186642923521?s=19