I went on a research trip there today with my friend and colleague (and stone circle expert) Peter to measure it. We are doing an exhibition on stone circles at my work with a model of the circle. The weather was poor and I struggled along through mud for ages in a Barbour, wellies and waterproof trousers, but it was well worth it.
Balgorkar is the stone circle just over the road from the castle. An avenue of monoliths leads from it to the castle and beyond. It is a very dramatic and evocative site and attracts many Outlander readers due to it's proximity to Castle Fraser. The three big stones in the picture are the Recumbent and Flankers, a feature of Aberdeenshire circles and are aligned with sunset at midwinter, an important time for ancient people. The circles were erected around burial sites, but their exact purpose is unknown.
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