Easter Aquhorthies, Neolithic stone circle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Easter Aquhorthies is a stone circle made of eleven granite blocks arranged on a gentle slope in Aberdeenshire. The stones form a circular pattern and create a simple yet striking monument from an ancient era.
The stone circle was built between 2000 and 1500 BC during the Neolithic period. It received official protection status as a scheduled monument in 1925 under Scottish preservation laws.
The name Aquhorthies comes from Scottish Gaelic and refers to a field of prayer, showing how the site held spiritual meaning for people over many centuries. When you walk among the stones today, you can sense this connection to the beliefs and practices of those who came here long ago.
The site is open year-round and sits on a gentle hillside, making it easy to visit in most seasons. The location near Inverurie is accessible on foot or by car for those exploring the area.
The most striking feature is a four-meter-long stone made of red granite with crystal sparkles, positioned toward the south. This special stone may be connected to the movements of the moon and shows the astronomical importance of the site.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.