In the traditional tales of Scotland the lives of Alexander
   Bean & ? Christie {cleik} are linked by the following :--
   During the 20yrs.following the death of Bruce{1329} the South-
   -erons invaded annually carrying out a scorched earth policy as
   they advanced North each year.The Scots were wise & heeded the
   dying advice of Bruce & did not try to impede this advance but as
   the winter set in & the Southerons,cold & hungry,made for home
   they were picked off by guerrilla bands.
   After 19yrs.two years of very cold & wet seasons set in & the
   Scots, with no reserves of food, suffered a severe famine. during
   the 3rd.winter of this famine two bands of people resorted to
   cannibalism, One led by Christie operated at the Southern end of
   one of the passes which led through the Grampian mountains,the
   other in the South West, at the pass leading from Ayrshire to
   Gallowa was led by Bean.
   The King had been informed of these actions & with better
   weather setting in on the 3rd.year he sent men to bring these
   people to justice at Edinburgh.The band in the North had
   dispersed by the time the officers arrived & thus escaped justice.
   Bean & his band were captured & led off to Edinburgh.The people
   of Mid-Calder relieved the officers of their captives & put
   them to death.
   Cannibalism is not unknown in more modern times.See details of
   the last Franklin Artic expedition.
   If my memory serves me right Wyntoun [c.1395} gives details of
   the above.
   Joe.