Aikey Brae, Bronze Age stone circle in Old Deer, Scotland
Aikey Brae is a Bronze Age stone circle on Parkhouse Hill that originally contained ten stones: five standing upright and five lying on the ground. A massive recumbent stone weighing about 21.5 tonnes marks the southwestern side of the monument.
The monument dates to the Late Bronze Age and received protected status in 1925. Excavations in 2001 revealed kerbstones with alternating red and white surfaces, confirming the age and craftsmanship involved in its construction.
This location once served as a gathering place for traditional hiring fairs where agricultural workers sought seasonal work with local farmers. Such markets shaped rural social life for generations in the region.
The monument sits south of the B9029 between Maud and Old Deer and is accessible via a signposted minor road. A small car park at the entrance provides the starting point for the walk to the stones.
Excavations uncovered 43 worked stone tools including quartz flakes and flint scrapers that show the skill of ancient craftspeople. These artifacts suggest the site served as a working area in addition to its role as a ceremonial place.
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