Aberdeenshire stone circle initially thought to be thousands of years old identified as modern replica

What was thought to be a newly-identified stone circle, thousands of years old, has turned out to be a replica just a couple of decades old, following further research.

Archaeologists were initially excited about the addition of another Recumbent Stone Circle to the many already identified in Aberdeenshire.

But during further investigation into the site in the parish of Leochel-Cushnie it transpired that it is a replica only around 20 years old.

The site was reported by the current owner of the farm on which it is located. Some unusual features were noted during its recording, including its small diameter, proportionately small stones and lack of an obvious associated cairn or kerb stones.

There is however a huge amount of variation between Recumbent Stone Circles so finding these kinds of differences was not initially a major cause for concern.

It was therefore celebrated as being an authentic Recumbent Stone Circle by Adam Welfare of Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council’s Archaeology Service.

The hard work in archaeology does not stop with an identification, so as is normal research into the site continued.

This ongoing analysis was cut short when a former owner of the farm contacted Mr Welfare to say they had built the stone circle in the mid-1990s.

Archaeological knowledge is, by its nature, constantly improving and responding to new information and understanding. It is for this very reason that research continues with new discoveries revising and developing the understanding of existing finds and sites.

This is an example of archaeological research being carried out in a thorough way, which has allowed for the early interpretation to be rejected.

Neil Ackerman, Historic Environment Record Assistant at Aberdeenshire Council, said: “It is obviously disappointing to learn of this development, but it also adds an interesting element to its story.

“That it so closely copies a regional monument type shows the local knowledge, appreciation and engagement with the archaeology of the region by the local community.

“I hope the stones continue to be used and enjoyed – while not ancient it is still in a fantastic location and makes for a great feature in the landscape.

“These types of monument are notoriously difficult to date. For this reason we include any modern replicas of ancient monuments in our records in case they are later misidentified.

“We always welcome reports of any new, modern reconstructions of ancient monuments, especially those built with the skill of this stone circle and that reference existing monument types.”

Recumbent Stone Circles were constructed around 3,500-4,500 years ago and are unique to the north east of Scotland.

Their defining feature is a large horizontal stone (the recumbent) flanked by two upright stones, usually situated between the south-east to south-west of the circle.

They are well known and spread throughout the north east of Scotland, but it is rare to find a previously unrecorded one.

To find out more about Stone Circles in Aberdeenshire, visit: http://bit.ly/RStoneCircles

You can also find out more about the work of Aberdeenshire Council’s Archaeology Service: http://bit.ly/ShireArch