Cullerlie Stone Circle
Cullerlie Stone Circle

Though it is not widely recognised, I think Cullerlie Stone Circle is one of the most interesting ancient sites in Aberdeenshire. The stone circle is made up of 8 boulders, enclosing 8 later burial cairns. The stone circle came first and dates to the Bronze Age. The cairns were erected within the existing stone circle between 1800-1200 BCE.

Each of the cairns was enclosed in a setting of kerb stones. Two of the cairns contain cist burials, while another 2 have pits. There are no obvious burials within the other four cairns.

Interestingly, the area around the stone circle had been burned before the stones were erected.

Approaching the stone circle
Approaching the stone circle

A burial cairn within the circle
A burial cairn within the circle

Another of the cairns inside the circle
Another of the cairns inside the circle

Looking across the centre of the circle
Looking across the centre of the circle

Excavations in 1934 were inconclusive, as the site had been disturbed, but archaeologists did uncover a flint knife and burned bones.

Visiting Cullerlie

Cullerlie is located on a minor road off the B9125, just south of Garlogie. There is a small layby for parking and information panels on the site.