Tomnaverie Recumbent Stone Circle is rather an unusual site. Thought to date from 2500 BC, this circle suffered great damage due to 20th century quarrying, but was put back together during an archaeological excavation in 1999.
The mound that the stones stand on was formed by a build up of residues, including human bones, from the site’s previous use as a place of cremation.
The Circle of Stones at Tomnaverie
I always love that first glimpse of standing stones in the landscape.
Lady’s bedstraw, harebells, ox-eye daisies and yarrow grow all around the stones.
The recumbent stone and flankers frame Lochnagar when you stand in the middle of the circle. I visited on an overcast and misty day, so the mountain was not visible.
The mist added to the timeless atmosphere of the place.
Through the stone gateway, along a path and past a field we go now, to a somewhat less timeless place.
Tomnaverie Nuclear Bunker
This bunker was built for the Royal Observer Corps in 1959 to monitor potential nuclear strikes during the Cold War.
People, many recruited and trained locally, stayed here until the Royal Observer Corps was officially stood down in 1991.
I found myself drawing parallels with the nearby Culsh Earth House: people going underground at times of conflict, separated by millennia but in close proximity to each other geographically.
And, above it all, the flowers grow on.
All my books feature standing stones
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
See the press release here
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
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.
See the press release here
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
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
And the contemporary Dancer’s Journey:
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
New novel from Aberdeenshire author combines passions from Grampian Online.
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The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…
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