Summer Solstice at Aviemore Stone Circle

Roses bloom in Aviemore stone circle

Aviemore Stone Circle is unusual, though not unique, in that it is situated in the middle of a housing estate.

On the day I visited – Summer Solstice 2019 – roses were blooming at the edge of the circle, adding to the magical atmosphere of the place. The houses don’t detract from that, bushes and trees lending some privacy to the ancient stones.

Aviemore stone circle in the sun

Solstice Sun

The sun was newly risen and bright; patches of ground seemed almost luminescent. There’s often a special light quality at stone circles, whether they’re in an open urban setting like this, or tucked away within dark forests. Maybe the mind just tends toward mysticism among these mysterious old standing stones.

Under the rowan tree

People had left mementos or offerings in the Rowan tree, perhaps treating the site like a clootie well?

ribbons tied to a tree by the stone circle

Clouds gathered overhead as I left the circle, on my way to an utterly amazing breakfast just round the corner at the Mountain Cafe (no longer there, sadly).

Aviemore stone circle and house

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Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance!

“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society

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See the press release here

Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.

The Mermaid and the Bear by Ailish Sinclair, and a harp

Taking place mainly in a castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.

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Fireflies and Chocolate by Ailish Sinclair

FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!

See the publisher’s Press Release here

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“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick

And A Dancer’s Journey:

A Dancer's Journey series by Ailish Sinclair

These books are so naughty that I’m a little worried nobody will be able to look me in the face again after reading them. But not that worried. They’re heading out into the world anyway.

When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her charismatic new teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his school in Scotland…

See the series page here on the site for full blurbs and quotes

Series on Amazon UK

Series on Amazon worldwide

A Dancer's Journey Series by Ailish Sinclair - dark and romantic books
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113 Replies to “Summer Solstice at Aviemore Stone Circle”

      1. Actually, you’re right. The energy must be like living next to an active volcano, always pouring off the site, although this energy you would’t see with your eyes. I’m guessing they are built on the earth’s ley lines, no?

    1. I was going to say something similar–like what would it be like to have that out your back door? I wonder if one would get used to it and stop seeing it, or if it would have a special draw on different days or times.

      1. I imagine it depends on the individual’s feelings about the circle. I wonder whether it’s a selling point for estate agents, or something they don’t mention?

        1. Some people might be interested, but others might think it was creepy or just not care. I was interested that the developer left it. In the U.S. it would be dug up by archeologists, documented, and then disappear unless it had been given a protected status.

          1. Most of them are protected now. Many were destroyed before that was the case. Traditional belief about it being bad luck to harm a stone circle kept quite a few of them safe!

    1. It’s prehistoric so not much is known about its history. I’m not aware of any legends or folklore associated with this particular circle 🙁

  1. I wonder how living around/near/beside a stone circle would change a person? For the better, I’d hope. Great photos and information. Thanks for sharing.

  2. Would love to have a magical stone circle in MY backyard! Waiting on the book – I already looked for it, not seeing it would be out this autumn!

  3. What are the chances? We came across a rowan tree yesterday with a Chinese Lantern attached. We thought it must have just drifted there, but maybe it too was an offering! The photo’s in our latest post.

  4. It’s interesting the light has a special quality around them. It might be that they cause us to pause and look in a special way, and therefore perceive light we don’t normally see. Hard to say, but it’s really interesting. I need to get back to Scotland…

  5. Interesting….I know there are quite a few stone circles in England so I guess it’s inevitable that one would end up next to a house, but as you say, it still has the magic. It must have been nice to visit on the solstice, good idea! Thanks for the follow, I appreciate it. 🙂

  6. I don’t think I’ver come across a stone circle amongst a housing estate before, but it certainly looks in good condition. Thanks for telling us about it

  7. So weird! I’ve been there and recently found so old photos of them. I was taken back by its setting, but you’re right. It’s still a magical place, perhaps more so by maintaining its integrity within the estate. I’m glad its maintained and wasn’t cleared away like so many other ancient stone monuments.
    Thanks for the post.

  8. What a lovely site you have and The Mermaid and the Bear sounds fascinating. I’ve recently done a DNA ancestry test, and now understand why I’ve always been drawn to Ireland and Scotland. At the risk of sounding odd, you have a very mystical and calm energy about you.

  9. I love your photos of Scotland here and on Twitter. Since I probably won’t get back for another visit, your snaps of the vistas and glens and stones take me there again. Thank you.

  10. I remember walking around Aylesbury in South England as the village grew up inside and out of a huge stone circle. The rocks are simply awesome inspiring. Bernie

  11. Interesting. But I wonder how they remained untouched through the centuries (cutting/planting trees, demolishing/building of houses…etc)… are they untouched?

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