The gigantic 2.5m tall recumbent is all that is left standing at Braehead

Grade zero point one bouldering skills are needed to ascend this vast monster of a stone, the sole survivor of many years of robbing and stone breaking at this sacred site. Alone, conspicuous in its perimeter fence, and far from prying eyes, this stone has witnessed millenia of human history and weathered the ice of five thousand winters and the scorching sunlight of five thousand summers.

The flatness is absolutely intentional. It occurs too often to be coincidence, or a facet of broken ruptured granite. Sure, yes, in some cases the stones have split down the middle I don't deny, but many other stones have been shaped with one flat f… — The flatness is absolutely intentional. It occurs too often to be coincidence, or a facet of broken ruptured granite. Sure, yes, in some cases the stones have split down the middle I don't deny, but many other stones have been shaped with one flat face, usually facing outwards from the circle.

Flat faced, the recumbent is of the same mould as Loanend and Stonehead, a LENS. The flatness is astonishing.

The quintessential shape of the Dunnideer recumbent family.

The stone was not easily reached and my head was clouded with anxieties when I reached this spot. Were will my lenses be back in London? In my mind only? Or can I practice the divination of the ordinary?

Mar 8, 2017

Tyrebagger / Dyce

Extraordinary heavy metal circle near Aberdeen Dyce airport. One of the finest, most complete monuments of its kind. The growing urbanisation surrounding it cannot hold this druidic temple back.

Bennachie / Mither Tap

The high hill ridge of Bennachie is visible from all around Aberdeenshire. Its summit, Mither Tap, has a pronounced profile made all the more outrageous by its forbidding hillfort, which archaeologists believe was the seat of a Pictish King (AD800-1100 roughly). This is an extreme location at the centre of a Kingdom of earthly paradise.

Mar 7, 2017

Kenmay and Kintore

South Ley Lodge, Wester Echt, Nether Corskie, South Fornet and Nether Coullie are a few of the RSCs found between Kenmay, Kintore and Monymusk. I didn't have time to visit each one but have included some photos.

Clune Wood

A beautiful circle at the edge of Clune Wood near Banchory. It retains most of its original settings; is located in managed forestry and has a peaceful air (as all stone circles do; it's in their nature and their design). There is nothing imposing about the location or the circle itself; this was for a small and modest community I imagine.

Mar 6, 2017

Pictish Symbol Stones

Pictish stone carvings (classified according to their period and style) are found throughout Aberdeenshire incised into stone menhirs (standing stones). Many such stones have been moved form their original locations but the majority are still in open air and free to access. Like stone circles, the abstract nature of their symbolism leaves them wide open to interpretation.

Tomnagorn

Peaceful RSC set in an area reminiscent of Middle Earth. Finely shaped standing stones surround the magnificent recumbent and flankers, one of which has broken. Feels very much like a family circle.

Tap O'Noth Hillfort

The second highest hillfort in Scotland, Tap O'Noth is also a prominent landmark which commands exceptional views over the Grampians. Views reach deep into the Cairngorms to the West. The hillfort itself is high, isolated and barren.

Hatton of Ardoyne

RSC on hilltop location near Insch with spectacular views South over the Grampians, Dunnideer and Mither Tap (and Tap O'Noth if you must). The recumbent is in good condition but leaning precariously. It would be judicious to reinforce its base to save it from toppling. Finely worked flanker.

Old Rayne

Fine example of the "lens" family of recumbents, with oversized flankers in reasonable condition overall. With a bit of TLC this monument would stand as an almost perfect example of its kind.

LENSES TO ANOTHER WORLD - THE RECUMBENT STONE CIRCLES OF ABERDEENSHIRE