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Wander among one of Scotland’s best-preserved recumbent stone circles and wonder about its original purpose.

East Aquhorthies Stone Circle is a recumbent stone circle – a monument type only found in north-east Scotland. It has a large stone set on its side and flanked by two upright stones, usually on the south or south-west part of the circle.  

The stones here appear to have been chosen for their colour. They’re all rough, pinkish porphyry, except for: 

  • the stone next to the east flanker, which is red jasper  

  • the two flanking stones, either side the recumbent stone, which are grey granite 

  • the recumbent stone, which is made of red granite quarried from near Bennachie 

A defined section of grass, with a stone circle inside. Mostly individual stones and one collection.
A long, grey stone. You can see a field and other similar stones in the distance.

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