Bigstones

Nearest Town: Ballater, Aberdeenshire

OS Grid Reference: NJ 48 60 35

Directions: Just off the B9094 south of Tarland. Signposted and in the care of Historic Scotland. Large car park, picnic tables and free entry. New path gives easy access.

Site Notes: You may have read in various guide books that this circle is a trashed and broken embarrassment. Not anymore! Carefully excavated and restored, fallen stones have been re-erected and the circle is fantastic. Easy parking and access, this circle must be visited-situated on the crown of a small hill, the circle is visible from some distance away. Stunning views in all directions, the attacks of the past can mostly be forgotten. However, the proximity of the quarry reminds of the stupidity and carelessness of the recent past. The quarry cut almost underneath the recumbent, and several stones had actually fallen into it. This is a fine restoration and begs the question: Why not Broomend? Why not Balgarthno? Why waste millions of lottery money on junk sculptures that may last 10 years if you’re lucky, when these millenia old monuments only need a fraction of this money to restore them?