St Brandan's Stanes

Heritage Site in Banffshire

Scotland

St Brandan's Stanes

Curious cattle Near Ordens - coming to see why I was getting out of the car. — Curious cattle Credit: Alan Murray-Rust

St Brandan's Stanes, located in Banffshire, Scotland, is a noteworthy heritage site renowned for its historical significance and intriguing folklore. The site consists of two ancient standing stones, believed to have been erected during the Neolithic period around 4,000 to 2,500 BC.

The stones, standing at approximately 6 feet tall, are made of red granite and are positioned about 10 feet apart. They are named after St Brandan, an Irish saint known for his voyages and missionary work during the 6th century. Legend has it that the stones were used as a marker by St Brandan himself during his travels along the coast of Scotland.

The site has attracted both archaeologists and enthusiasts interested in the history and folklore surrounding it. The stones are said to possess mystical properties, with reports of people feeling a sense of energy or experiencing unusual sensations when in close proximity to them. This has given rise to various tales and beliefs about the stones being associated with healing or spiritual practices.

St Brandan's Stanes have been recognized as a protected scheduled monument since 1971, ensuring their preservation and safeguarding against any potential damage or disturbance. They are easily accessible to the public, with a nearby parking area and a short walk to the site.

Visitors to St Brandan's Stanes can explore the surroundings, take in the scenic views of the Scottish coastline, and immerse themselves in the ancient history and folklore that permeate this intriguing heritage site.

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St Brandan's Stanes Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.642/-2.662 or Grid Reference NJ6061. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Curious cattle

Near Ordens - coming to see why I was getting out of the car.

Alan Murray-Rust

Former railway bridge on the road to Baldavie

This was the former Great North of Scotland branch to Banff.

Alan Murray-Rust

Former railway line to Banff

One of the locations where the course of this branch is still evident, the shallow cutting having not been put to the plough.

Alan Murray-Rust

The site of Ordens Halt

The halt was in the whin bottom right and was a very basic halt on the Great North of Scotland Railway's branch to Banff. The line curved away right – indicated by the slightly lighter green of the crop - to run under the A95, the bridge being just visible to the right of the picture. Ordens is the steading in the centre of the view.

Alan Murray-Rust

Bridge remains at Tillynaught Junction

The substantial abutments reflect the fact that to the right of the picture the line had split with two tracks forming the 'main' line and two forming the branch to Banff.

Alan Murray-Rust

Former stationmaster's house, Tillynaught Junction

The station was behind the photographer and has disappeared without trace. Apart from the house, there is a goods platform off-picture to the left. The coast line via Portsoy ran to the left of the house with the branch to Banff diverging to the right where the growth of whin can be seen. Photograph taken with permission and thanks to the current occupiers who were very interested in our visit!

Alan Murray-Rust

Remains of railway underbridge Tillynaught Station

Former Railway underbridge once carried four tracks at Tillynaught Junction Station, where the GNSR split for Portsoy and Banff

valenta

Ford over the Burn of Boyne

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RAF Banff strike wing monument

The main inscription reads: "This memorial commemorates the men and women who served with the six multi-national squadrons which formed the Banff strike wing at RAF Banff between September 1944 and May 1945. Under the command of Group Captain the Hon. Max Aitken, the mixed Mosquito and Beaufighter units mounted concentrated attacks on German surface vessels and U-boats in the North Sea and along the Norwegian Coast. Their success in the closing months of World War ll was important in the defeat of Germany and strike wing aircraft operating from the airfield near here inflicted heavy damage on enemy shipping and supply routes. Many thousands of tons of vital iron ore and other supplies were lost to the German forces as a result of rocket and cannon attacks carried out by this gallant strike wing. Losses among the RAF, Commonwealth and Norwegian squadrons were high. More than 80 aircrew gave their lives flying with the RAF Banff strike wing."

Nigel Thompson

Culphin from near Loanhead

Culphin is at the crossroads of the A95 and minor roads south-east to Loanhead and north-west to Drakemires.

Anne Burgess

Culphin

Crossroads at Culphin on A95 north of Cornhill.

Christopher Gillan

Haymaking at Drakemires Farm

Ann Harrison

Memorial to the Banff Strike Wing on the A98

Roger Davies

RAF Banff strike wing monument

On A98 near Banff

Craig Brown

Milton of Tillynaught

Taking its name (previously Milltown) from the mill which is hidden beyond the main steading Link . The buildings appear to be of 19th century date.

Alan Murray-Rust

Site of railway, Milton of Tillynaught â 1

View looking east from the road bridge. This was the coastal loop line of the Great North of Scotland Railway from Grange Junction via Portsoy to Elgin. The existence of the railway is even less obvious than it was in 2010 Link

Alan Murray-Rust

Site of railway, Milton of Tillynaught â 2

View looking west from the road bridge. This was the coastal loop line of the Great North of Scotland Railway from Grange Junction via Portsoy to Elgin. In this direction all trace of the railway has disappeared as it has been returned to agricultural use, significantly so since the same view in 2010 Link .

Alan Murray-Rust

The track to Tillynaught Junction

This was a locally important station as it provided a connection from the coastal loop line via Portsoy to Elgin to the branch to Banff. It is now simply a farm access track. The woodland in the centre of the view is on the site of the station buildings, the small house towards the left being the former station master's house Link .

Alan Murray-Rust

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St Brandan's Stanes is located at Grid Ref: NJ6061 (Lat: 57.642, Lng: -2.662)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East