News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A stone circle thought to date back thousands of years has been revealed as a replica built in the 1990s.

Archaeologists had hailed the discovery when it was made in Leochel-Cushnie, Aberdeenshire, back in November.

However, weeks later they realised their blunder when a local farmer got in touch to say it was a model.

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.

(Image: Aberdeen Council /SWNS.COM)

"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."

Recumbent stone circles often date back 3,500-4,500 years and are unique to the north-east of Scotland.

(Image: Aberdeen Council /SWNS.COM)

Mr Ackerman added: "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."