The One Castle: Drum
On our last visit to Drum Castle, the one castle of this post, it was raining. So on the way to explore circles, we took a walk through the gardens, having missed them before. They were filled with the bright sights and scents of summer, the castle peeking round corners and through trees everywhere we went.
Originally posted 2015.
Circle 1: Cullerlie
Cullerlie Stone Circle is unusual for Aberdeenshire in that it is not a recumbent circle. There’s only one photo as we were distracted by an elderly dog from the farm that wanted us to throw a stick.
Circle 2: Sunhoney
More animals awaited at Sunhoney; an excited herd of cows ran alongside the path with us…
They then jostled and jiggled for the best view at the perimeter of the circle enclosure.
I fear we were a disappointment. There were signs that other visitors may have danced (trampled grass) and provided snacks (rolled oats all over the place) whereas we mainly sat quietly and took photos.
The recumbent stone at Sunhoney has many carved cup marks but lichen and light conditions were not helpful in capturing them on camera (note rolled oats though).
The cows gave us doleful looks as we left and did not follow us back down the path.
Circle 3: Midmar Kirk
There were no animals to greet us at Midmar Kirk Circle, again an unusual site, situated in a churchyard.
While it was common for churches to be built on older sacred sites, it is unusual for the originals to have been left intact (almost, there are a few stones missing).
Finishing with an apology to the cows – we’ll try harder next time – and the view from the roof of Drum:
My Books (also featuring one castle!)
Set in a fictional castle in Aberdeenshire, Ailish Sinclair’s debut novel, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR, features the Scottish witchcraft accusations and a love story. Her second book, FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE, was inspired by the kidnapped children of Aberdeen.
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Your photos fill me with longing- I long to be there. When you’re in a stone circle you realize what ancient actually means. It’s a surreal experience. Very powerful places- and I’m not new-agey.
They do have a definite ‘feel’ to them, I know. Each one different too.
Gorgeous! Love these photos. Thanks for the virtual tour.
Glad you liked the post Sarah 🙂
Lots of magical places, what a lovely day out! As you say, it is quite amazing that those standing stones were left alone in a churchyard, it would be fascinating to find out why.
Something magic going on 🙂
Since I moved to Cornwall, I’ve seen a lot of churches and a lot of stone circles, but I’ve never seen the two coexisting. That’s new to me. Thanks.
It is most unusual!
This is so interesting! I had never heard of recumbent stone circles before, so have just spent the last hour on Wikipedia learning about them and stone circles in general and the cup marks. What fascinating people humans are. What amazing mysteries we leave behind. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos!
Ancient stones have a kind of magnetism that pull at my curiosity
Never knew about Midmar. Now on my list, just as soon as it’s not so icy out there! Great photos and inspiration, Ailish.
It is in such an unusual situation, Midmar; well worth visiting.
It is all so beautiful. I will never get to see in person so I thank you for letting us all see through your lens of the camera.
My family and I are going to Scotland in June after we visit family in England, and I’m excited just seeing your photos and posts. I need to start researching on places to visit in Edinburgh and St. Andrews!
I hope you have a great time. Don’t miss Edinburgh Castle, not that you could; it towers over the town!