Carlin Stone

Heritage Site in Banffshire

Scotland

Carlin Stone

Access road to Shielburn and Newton of Fortrie Credit: David Purchase

Carlin Stone is a historic site located in Banffshire, Scotland. It is a standing stone with a rich history dating back to ancient times. The stone stands at approximately 10 feet tall and is believed to have been erected during the Bronze Age, around 2000-1500 BC.

The Carlin Stone is thought to have been used for ceremonial or religious purposes by the ancient inhabitants of the area. It is also believed to have been a marker for ancient land divisions or boundaries.

The stone gets its name from the Scottish word "carlin," which means an old woman or witch, and it is said to have been associated with various superstitions and legends over the centuries.

Today, the Carlin Stone is a protected heritage site and is of significant archaeological importance. It is a popular destination for visitors interested in Scotland's ancient history and is a reminder of the region's rich cultural heritage. The stone's imposing presence and mysterious origins continue to intrigue and captivate those who visit it.

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Carlin Stone Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.5083/-2.5451 or Grid Reference NJ6746. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Access road to Shielburn and Newton of Fortrie

David Purchase

Mains of Tollo

The impressive entrance to Mains of Tollo.

Andrew Wood

Hill of Carlincraig

Sheep and turbines on the Hill of Carlincraig.

Andrew Wood

Postie's Wood

Beeches caught with a long exposure in the morning gloom. This was the day before the Winter Solstice and daylight is short this far north.

Richard Webb

B9024, Postie's Wood

A grey dawn on the Huntly to Turriff road where it leaves Postie's Wood.

Richard Webb

Drainage Ditch

A wide road, not shown on the maps, parallels the ditch.

Anne Burgess

Mains of Tollo

Ploughed land at Mains of Tollow. The wind turbines are on the Hill of Carlincraig.

Anne Burgess

Bridge of Fortrie

The bridge of Fortie carries the B9024 across the Burn of Tollo. The building facing you as you come into Fortrie from the west is the former Post Office.

Anne Burgess

Mains of Tollo

Mains of Tollo stands above the Burn of Tollo.

Anne Burgess

Backhill of Drachlaw

The foreground is in this square, but the farm buildings are in the next square.

Anne Burgess

Carlin Stone

Named on the maps as the Carlin Stone, it is also known as Cairn Rib, Cairn Riv, and Cairn Rieve. It is a remnant of a stone circle, thought by some authorities to be a recumbent. For a full description see Link

Anne Burgess

Looking towards Hill of Laithers

The standing stone part way up the field is in the next square.

Anne Burgess

Milnbank

I had hoped to get down to the corner of the field, but as you can see the ground is very wet and boggy, so I had to make do with a view through the trees.

Anne Burgess

Bogs of Laithers

The farm house at Bogs of Laithers, with an assortment of agricultural odds and ends on the edge of the vast open area beside it.

Anne Burgess

Bogs of Laithers

The nearest gable looks like the oldest part of the steading, now dwarfed by huge modern sheds to the north-west.

Anne Burgess

Near Bogs of Laithers

Looking from the access road towards the brow of the hill at Ardmiddle. There is a crow's nest in the contorted tree on the left - the bird flew away as I walked past.

Anne Burgess

Dog-legged Drain

This field drain takes run-off from the fields at Bogs of Laithers to the Burn of Garble.

Anne Burgess

Towards the Burn of Garble

The drain here flows into the Burn of Garbler, which is in the dip marked by the trees in the middle distance. In the background is the Hill of Laithers.

Anne Burgess

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Carlin Stone is located at Grid Ref: NJ6746 (Lat: 57.5083, Lng: -2.5451)