The north-east of Scotland boasts a large number of stone circles, many of which exhibit a distinct style known as Recumbent Stone Circles, found only in this region. When one imagines a stone circle, they might think of the likes of Stonehenge with its large horizontal lintel stones above the upright stones, or uncapped standing stones found all over the country. However, with a Recumbent Circle, a large stone is positioned on the ground between the two tallest upright stones of the circle. The exact reason for this is not known, although it is believed that they were positioned to create a false horizon and frame through which astronomical events, such as the sunrise on the solstice or standstill moons, could be observed.
One such monument is Tomnaverie Stone Circle, near Aboyne in Aberdeenshire. Here, the recumbent stone is set to frame the midsummer moon as well as views of Lochnagar, a mountain potentially with sacred significance. The circle as it stands today has been reconstructed following one of the stones falling into an adjacent quarry during work taking place, and others being taken down and moved to prevent a repeat of this due to the danger of these massive stones falling into the quarry where people were working. When the quarrying stopped, the stones were returned with the aid of archaeological work.
During the associated excavation, charcoal was found and carbon dated to show the site had been in use for approximately 4500 years. Burnt bones were also found which were carbon dated to be over 3000 years old.
The monolithic stones, in fact, surround a far less obvious circle of kerb stones, which almost certainly predate the larger structure, and there is evidence to demonstrate that a burial cairn stood in the centre, supporting the thought that the site was originally used for cremations. Interestingly, there is also evidence that the site was used again for cremations between 1400 and 1600, although there does not seem to be much information on by whom, or why the site was chosen. A pit was dug into the centre of the monument at that time, and it is believed that this was for the cremation ashes.
The site remains popular to this day, with it still being used for occasional celebrations. However, not everyone who visits reports a pleasant experience. A hooded figure has been seen on several occasions, which is said to simply appear and then fade away.
This is claimed to have not only happened at the circle, but in the surrounding area, with reports that visitors still in their cars at the nearby parking area have become aware of someone passing, only to see the hooded figure walk by when they look, before it vanishes.
Who this figure is remains a mystery. No one seems to have able to pinpoint a possible time period from the cloak and hood from the fleeting glance they got before it vanished. It is possible that they date back to the earliest use of the circle, or they may even be connected to the mysterious re-use of the site between the 15th and 17th centuries. If I were to hazard a guess, I would say this is likely to be a protective energy, overlooking the site and surrounding area.
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