Kirkton of Bourtie stone circle, Stone circle near Kirkton of Bourtie, Scotland
Kirkton of Bourtie stone circle is an archaeological site in Aberdeenshire with several ancient stones positioned on a hillside. The largest stone lies horizontally while two upright stones stand nearby, giving visitors a sense of how the original ring formation once appeared.
This stone circle was constructed during the Neolithic or Bronze Age period and originally contained six or seven stones. Over time some stones were destroyed or moved, leaving only a handful of examples visible today.
The stones stand aligned with the major southern moonset, demonstrating the prehistoric builders' understanding of celestial movements and astronomical alignments.
This site sits on agricultural land, so visitors should plan flexibly around growing seasons. Access involves crossing fields, so wear appropriate footwear and check local conditions before you go.
The eastern flanker rises to an exceptional height of 3 meters, while the recumbent stone weighs approximately thirty tons with specific cup markings.
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