Excavation

Date 1 April 2009 - 2 April 2009

Event ID 603396

Category Recording

Type Excavation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/603396

NJ 7212 1270 This standing stone is a natural boulder with a pyramidal capstone, traditionally regarded as a memorial stone to John Bell, architect of the upper works at Castle Fraser in the early 17th century. However, its proximity to the Castle Fraser recumbent stone circle and its two outlying standing stones (NJ71SW 6) suggests that this was a prehistoric monument later re-used as a memorial.

As a result of rabbit burrowing stabilisation was required, providing the opportunity for a small excavation. This

revealed the original socket for the stone but no prehistoric material within it. However, a furrow of probable medieval/post-medieval rig and furrow cultivation was revealed, beside the stone but respecting it. This suggests that it is likely to have been standing before the improvements of the 18th century and may indeed be a prehistoric monument. It is shown on an Estate map of 1788 in an open field, only later being emphasised as a landscape feature in a small group of trees. There is some indication that the pyramidal capstone and a

ball finial (now missing) may have been added at the end of the 18th century. This work was carried out on 1–2 April 2009.

Report: Aberdeenshire SMR, NTS and RCAHMS

Funder: The National Trust for Scotland

HK Murray and JC Murray – Murray Archaeological Services Ltd