Original paintings and drawings by London based artist

LENSES TO ANOTHER WORLD - THE RECUMBENT STONE CIRCLES OF ABERDEENSHIRE

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Mar 8, 2017

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.

Mar 8, 2017

Culsh Earth House / Souterrain

Mar 8, 2017

Curious Souterrain / Fogue in Culsh.

Mar 8, 2017

Bennachie / Mither Tap

Mar 8, 2017

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 8, 2017

Mar 7, 2017

Kenmay and Kintore

Mar 7, 2017

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.

Mar 7, 2017

Clune Wood

Mar 7, 2017

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 7, 2017

Mar 6, 2017

Pictish Symbol Stones

Mar 6, 2017

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.

Mar 6, 2017

Tomnagorn

Mar 6, 2017

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.

Mar 6, 2017

Tap O'Noth Hillfort

Mar 6, 2017

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.

Mar 6, 2017

Hatton of Ardoyne

Mar 6, 2017

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.

Mar 6, 2017

Old Rayne

Mar 6, 2017

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.

Mar 6, 2017

Blue Cairn of Ladieswell

March 4, 2017

REFERENCES

MAP

Following my revelatory visit to Auld Kirk on Thursday, I head to the most Westerly RSC in Aberdeenshire; Blue Cairn of Ladieswell. Situated in pine forest, this circle is renowned for its large central cairn. Most of the standing stones have been removed but the recumbent is still present and perfectly horizontal.