Damhead Wood

The Battle of Lumphanan was fought on 15 August 1057, between Macbeth, King of Scots, and the future King Malcolm III. Macbeth would die from wounds sustained in the battle, which came after his defeat at the battle of Dunsinane in 1054. According to tradition, the battle took place at Lumphanan in Aberdeenshire. Macbeth's Stone, a large boulder at the site, is said to mark the spot where Macbeth was mortally wounded. Following the battle Lulach, Macbeth's stepson was crowned King, before being killed by Malcolm who then took the throne.

Art Trail Hare, there and everywhere! Clan Cancer Support, the north-east’s leading cancer support charity, has partnered with Wild in Art once again to bring an exciting new art trail to the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. The Big Hop Trail will take the public on another cultural tour of the north-east and the islands from July to September 2023, with hare sculptures designed and created by some of the country’s most talented artists. The trail coincides with Clan’s 40th anniversary, with the 40 hares being the focal point to celebrate the charity’s commitment to supporting people affected by cancer. We chose the hare sculpture as they are an indigenous animal found in all parts of Clan’s geography. Much like our clients during their cancer journey, hares have to navigate rough and difficult terrain in order to survive. They are also adaptable, like our services team who deliver support to anyone affected by cancer. Most importantly, hares have incredible hearing. What better way to depict our lifeline listening and support service and the importance of being heard?

The Peel is a flat-topped motte surrounded by an outer rampart, with some boggy ground in between. This is the view from the entrance through a gap in the rampart. See Link for more information. NJ5703 : Peel of Lumphanan (2)

The foreground is the flat top of the mediaeval motte, though it's not very enlightening as it's too wide to fit in the viewfinder. See Link for more information and for an aerial photograph which shows it much more convincingly. NJ5703 : Peel of Lumphanan (3) I reckon the best part of this view is the field of buttercups at upper left.

Looking from the top of the motte over some boggy ground to the earthen rampart. See Link for more information. NJ5703 : Peel of Lumphanan (4) In the background is Craigton Hill.

This is part of the earth rampart that surrounds the motte. See Link for more information. NJ5703 : Peel of Lumphanan (5) The masonry in the background is one side of a former railway overbridge.

The motte is oval, and this is looking along the longer axis of the oval, which is the narrowest view, and can all be fitted into the viewfinder. See Link for more information. NJ5703 : Peel of Lumphanan (6)

This shows the south-eastern side of the motte, the boggy low-lying surround, and the encircling earth rampart. See Link for more information. NJ5703 : Peel of Lumphanan (1) The building belongs to the neighbouring farm. It is not on the maps, so must be quite new. I am rather surprised that it was given planning permission when it has such a prominent effect on the view of the Peel.

Seen from the minor road.

Seen from the access off the minor road.

Off minor road to Lumphanan.