The 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 Castle:
All my books feature a stone circle. Some have a castle too.
Chosen Sisters, Romans and Romance
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.
See the press release here
Review from Terry Tyler: “It’s a fabulous story, a real page-turner and so well written. It made me think about the passage and circle of time, of the constancy of the land on which we live and the transient nature of human life. Loved it.“
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Witchcraft and a Handsome Laird
Taking place mainly in a fictional 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.
See the press release here
Review from Tonya Ulynn Brown: “Before I go any further, I just have to say, this is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read…“
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
Kidnapping, Slavery and Friendship
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
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
See my About Page here
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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!