This is the REVEAL. Where stone erupts from earth, making a stairway to the sky (thanks Barbara Streisand and Barry Gibb for those words - I'm Guilty)

The Nine Staines is a famous circle - excavated by Coles in 1904 (see photos at bottom)

Located in a small clearing in a managed pine forest, Nine Staines / Mulloch Wood / Garrol (these alternative names can get confusing - at least I ticked off two circles in one) occupies a special place in recumbent folk lore, as the setting of the altar stone is some way inside the flattened circle formed by the ring stones and was originally flanked not only by two pillars but a kerbstone lined cairn.

The recumbent is large and has a flat face; which could be a result of blasting or of perfectionist neolithics.

We will end today with some poetry, but first, I thought I'd add in some archive photos of the archaeologist Coles excavating this site in 1904. See how the left flanker is upright, but only just. It's incredible that the shape of these stones has not altered in the last 113 years, nor in the last 1013 years, nor especially in the last 10,000, 100,000 or 1,000,000 years.

NINE STRANES AT NINE STANES

I am short of breath; impatient with this (i) slow, (ii) weak, (iii) puffing, (iv) urinating, (v) spittle forming, (vi) clumsy, (vii) inadequate, (viii) angry, (ix) distressed body. I ask the circle for relief. To be free of these bodily strains.

These concerns wash away in the presence of magic. The moment is fleeting. What is the secret? ACTION.

Can these stone circles help focus attention away from trivial and bodily pressures?

And finally ...

Only 10 metres from the circle, a flat sided boulder, not mentioned in any notes from excavations. Would this have been here since time immemorial? Seems too close to the circle for it not to have played some part. The stones around here continue to… — Only 10 metres from the circle, a flat sided boulder, not mentioned in any notes from excavations. Would this have been here since time immemorial? Seems too close to the circle for it not to have played some part. The stones around here continue to fascinate me.

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