Aberdeen’s Ancient Heritage and Folklore Tour – Balloch, United Kingdom

EXPERIENCE:

Barra Hill – Fort
Hillforts are earthworks built on higher ground, that historically included wooden or stone enclosures. These early towns were introduced into Scotland during the Bronze Age. Aberdeenshire has several hill forts, of which only foundations remain but we are learning more every year about how the people in these communities lived. Many of the hill forts are challenging to access, but Barra is one of the few we can visit relatively easily. During our visit, we will walk along the earthworks and foundations, and begin to get a sense of how these communities were formed and get a feel for what life would be like living on these hills.
*To visit the site we will be walking through fields and off road paths.

Rhynie – Pictish Strong Hold
The area around the village of Rhynie was a Pictish stronghold. The Tap O’Noth, once had a hilltop settlement that may have rivalled the largest known post-Roman settlements in Europe. Researchers believe to be a community with over 5,000 residents! Here we will be visiting a few different sites including; the Square Barrows, the Bell Knowe Cairn and carved Pictish stones. We learn about the traditions and folklore of the people who were living here at this time.

Dunnideer – Castle/Fort
Dunnideer Castle, now ruined, was a tower house built circa 1260, partially from the remains of an existing vitrified hill fort in the same location. Vitrified forts are stone enclosures whose walls have been subjected to vitrification through heat. It was long thought that these structures were unique to Scotland, but they have since been identified in several other parts Europe.
We will have a short stop here to take some photos and view the surroundings.

Monymusk
We will have time to enjoy a delicious lunch at the Grant Arms in the charming village of Monymusk. The village was built by the Laird of Monymusk house in the late 19th century for workers on the estate.

Migvie Kirk & Pictish Stone
Migvie Kirk is a deconsecrated church that has been conserved and filled with art work to show the story of how the native Picts were introduced into Christianity and the transition from traditional faith and beliefs. As you enter the Kirk, in the center is a group of stone chairs, carved with biblical texts, Pictish symbols and Ogham scripts. On the north wall is an oblique cross set into the plasterwork, and there are three stained glass windows, that illustrate the integration of Christianity into the Pictish practices.

Tomnavarie Stone Circle
With stunning views, Tomnaverie, a recumbent stone circle, is a kind of monument found only in the northeast. What makes them unique is their characteristic large stone on its side, flanked by two upright stones, and a series of standing stone completing the circle. The stone circle is located close to a burial cairn dating to about 4,500 years ago. Relatively little is known about why we have these structures, there are several theories which you’ll discover on your visit.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Uncover the ancient past of Aberdeenshire
Enjoy the stories and tales told by past generations
Marvel at the mysteries and skill of people who lived in Aberdeen
Explore the rich cultural history of the northeast of Scotland

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