22nd February - After two failed attempts to find Tyrebagger (Dyce Recumbent Stone Circle - abbreviated to RSC from hereon in), I left for Wark Farm. As I approached the nearest village - Alford - I saw signs for Keig and I immediately knew I had to visit the "Grand Momma" Old Keig RSC (as Julian Cope would put it :- JC you're the best stone namer, nay, stoner, in existence). As I crossed the River Don, I made a muffled cry of delight - I had entered the sacred landscape.

The silhouette of the 55 ton recumbent - the Grand Momma - poked against the sky from a terrace high up past the village - my first glance of a RSC! I was living the dream. As I approached, it became obvious why they chose this site. This is a spot that commands incredible views and moreover one that feels centered in the landscape; commanding; as if placing the finishing touches to nature's work, building the circle turns the wild landscape into home - or heaven.

The circle felt small in comparison to the view. This is all about the landscape. The recumbent is the altar for worshiping nature.

24th February - I'm back at Old Keig having walked the 4 miles from Alford through magical oak forests, tumbling Glens and fields strewn with granite boulders; some no doubt spoils from ruined monuments. In JC style I am indulging in the company of this bus-like recumbent - 12 ft long, 4 ft wide, at least 10 ft deep. Sunbathing, sandwiches and healing energy for my bad knee, which gave me much pain on the way here. I'm hoping this cold block of gneiss will sooth the pain. Whatever, it was worth the effort. I am gloriously alone here. I look like a Black Druid. Huge black coat, hippy bobble hat, biker jeans. The stone is incredibly flat to lie on even after 4,000 years. It makes for a superb if cold sunlounger.

I turn around, facing the open circle with my back to the view. The upright stones seem to lean in; crowd; the inner circle. There were holy, or maybe unholy acts performed here. Either would have pre-dated such Christian definitions. These stones are formidable, stoic, powerful.

I have picked up a stone shaped like Keig herself; wedged along the bottom to allow chock stones to be placed around the base while the huge stone's upper surface was levelled to a perfect horizontal.

I briefly considered filming myself. However, stones do not make for good supporting crew and only serve to emphasise one's stupidity. I decided not to work with them.

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