Cothiemuir Hill Standing Stones at Castle Forbes

On the Castle Forbes Estate, lies a remarkable relic of prehistoric architecture: the Cothiemuir Hill stone circle. The standing stones are a Neolithic recumbent stone circle, likely built for lunar observation and ritual use, and remain a culturally significant monument today. This is one of many such monuments scattered across northeast Scotland, yet it possesses unique features and enduring cultural resonance.

Malcolm, Lord Forbes, at the Standing Stones.

Cothiemuir Hill’s stone circle is believed to have been constructed over 4,000 years ago. It originally consisted of twelve stones arranged in a circle over 60 feet (18 meters) wide, though only eight remain today. At its heart lies a recumbent stone, flanked by two upright monoliths, a hallmark of this regional style. The recumbent stone itself is notable for its size (approximately 14 feet long) and for the three large cup marks carved into its outer face. These markings, whose purpose remains speculative, may have served astronomical or ritual functions.

While the exact use of the stone circle is still debated, archaeological and landscape evidence suggests it was designed with lunar alignments in mind. The circle is oriented toward the south, allowing unobstructed views of the moon’s movements. The positioning of the recumbent and flanking stones may correspond to major lunar standstills, a phenomenon occurring every 18.6 years when the moon reaches its extreme northern and southern rising and setting points. This implies that the builders had a sophisticated understanding of celestial cycles and may have used the site for ritual observances tied to lunar events.

“Devil’s Hoofmarks” on recumbent stone

In the 19th century, the site acquired the nickname “Devil’s Hoofmarks” due to the mysterious cup marks on the recumbent stone. This name reflects the era’s superstitions and misunderstandings about prehistoric monuments. Such associations often led to the destruction of stone circles elsewhere, but Cothiemuir Hill was spared, preserving its archaeological and cultural value.

Today, the site is part of the Castle Forbes natural woodland burial ground, blending ancient heritage with contemporary ecological practices. Visitors describe it as a peaceful and evocative place, where the stones stand as silent witnesses to millennia of human curiosity, reverence, and storytelling.

The standing stones of Cothiemuir Hill are more than weathered rocks in a forest glade—they are a testament to the ingenuity and spiritual life of Scotland’s early inhabitants. Their alignment with lunar cycles suggests a deep connection to the cosmos, while their survival through centuries of folklore and fear underscores their resilience and significance. As both a historical monument and a modern sanctuary, Cothiemuir Hill continues to inspire reflection on the enduring legacy of Scotland’s ancient past.

Learn more here: Cothiemuir Hill: Natural Burial Ground at Castle Forbes.