With a name like that, who could fail to pay this classy saucer a visit?

Another "disc" recumbent so revered in this particular part of the world.

Located less than a mile from Dunnideer RSC, parked on a gentle shelf with gorgeous views to the Christ Kirk massif, lies Stonehead (no you couldn't make it up). Getting onto the recumbent takes Class 1 bouldering skills. Really, I should know better by now. The recumbents around here are not that recumbent at all. They are standing on their side, like flat discs. Lenses into the Other World. Think of this as a wall. When the crushing irrelevance of that analogy dawns on you, and the unthinkable weirdness of this structure as a wall, you begin to open your mind to concepts alien, which in turn prizes open the jaws of meaning.

If you can find a trader who claims their preferred method for constructing a wall is from a single disc of granite, weighing up to 50 tons, which must be dragged by 100 people from the nearest glacial valley, you would either be under a psychedelic… — If you can find a trader who claims their preferred method for constructing a wall is from a single disc of granite, weighing up to 50 tons, which must be dragged by 100 people from the nearest glacial valley, you would either be under a psychedelic delusion, or be talking to an ancient Grampian visionary. These are no laughing matter however. These are lenses into the Other World.

Every sunset there has ever been has shone on this spot.

I'm ecstatically happy. I'm sitting astride this psychic lens, eight feet off the ground but higher than the Millennium Force Big Dipper. When I get down from the recumbent (the top like a narrow mountain ridge) I push off hard with my feet against the flat side. I travel about five feet forward and hit the earth hard, but clean. I set my book against the mighty lens. How warm it feels. How much nicer to write against a solid surface than on my lap! How my handwriting has improved! (not that you can see it, but believe me...)

Dunnideer is never far away. Note: the disc should be vertical; of course 4,000 years can take its toll even on a psychic gateway to the Other World.

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