Tomnaverie is a recumbent stone circle, a kind of monument found only in north-eastern Scotland. Their characteristic feature is a large stone on its side, flanked by two upright stones, usually on the south or south-west arc of the circle.
The stone circle surrounds a burial cairn dating to about 4,500 years ago. The site appears to have seen use as late as the AD 1600s. It’s situated in a landscape littered with remains of stone circles and burial cairns.
The site seems to have been first used for cremation pyres, leading to the build up of a low mound. Carbon dating reveals a charcoal-rich pit under the position of the original recumbent stone was used about 4,500 years ago. This was followed by construction of a low cairn, which is still visible within the stone circle.
These monuments may have been used for astronomical observation – the midsummer moon would have been framed by the recumbent stone in the south-west. Tomnaverie has a spectacular view of Lochnagar.
Culsh Earth House is an example of a souterrain built about 2,000 years ago, and despite its name, it was not a dwelling, but a stone-lined underground passage.
This example survives in a very complete state, and is one of only a few souterrains in Scotland that can...
A great deal of ceremonial and colourful pageantry accompanies clan proceedings, and at the Aboyne Games is no exception. Having formed in 1867, Aboyne is regarded as "The Traditional Highland Games" which continues to attract thousands of visitors to witness the...
The castle was built in the mid-13th century and was attacked often in its history, first in defence of the family of Robert the Bruce in August–September 1306, leading to the executions of bruce's brother Nigel and many other Scots, and again in 1335 by David of...
Events at the Ballater Highland Games form part of the qualification for the Glenfiddich Heavy Events Championship and the Grampian Games Qualifying Championship. These encourage the younger athletes to participate in the heavy and field events of the traditional...