A plague (possibly typhus) hit Largs in 1644. The Reverend William Smith was one of many who took refuge from the plague by living outside the town. Unfortunately he contracted the disease and died in 1647. As he lay dying he asked for two Holly trees to be planted at either end of his grave and prophesied that, providing the trees were prevented from ever meeting, the plague would not return.
The spot has been known as the Prophet's Grave ever since and, to this day, locals ensure that the Holly trees are kept apart. The grave is accessible from the Brisbane Glen road. The photo on the right shows the gate and path leading down to the grave.
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