Clachan Of Aberfoyle

NN50SW 2 51808 00202

(NN 5181 0019) Clachan (NR)

OS 6" map, Perthshire, 2nd ed., (1901)

Stone Circle (NR)

OS 6" map, (1959)

The Object Name Book of the Ordnance Survey states that this is a 'small circle of stones with a large one in the centre. The Rev. Mr Stewart and Mr Jolly believes it to be a relic of Druidism. The stones which its (sic) consists of are not very large and are mostly sunk in the ground, or covered with earth corresponding to the description given in the Old Stat. Act which is as follows " On a rising ground in the neighbourhood of the Manse and facing the south there is a circle of stones which there is room to beleive to be a relic of Druidism. It consists of 10 large stones placed circularly with a large one in the middle.They seem to have stood originally on one end, but have now fallen and are partly sunk into the earth. From this circumstance it seems to be that the Highlanders when speaking of the Kirk of Aberfoyle, uniformly make use of the term Clachan i.e. circle of stones." (Statistical Account [OSA] 1790)

The Statistical Account also goes on to say 'and the same term is used whern speaking of many other places of worship, both in the Highlands and in the low country, places where it is probable that such circles did, or do still exist'.

Name Book 1866

A circle of stones. It consists of 10 large stones with a larger one in the middle. They seem to have been upright originally, but are now fallen and partly sunk into the earth (OSA 1794).

It does not have the character of a stone circle. There are numerous scattered boulders in the immediate vicinity, and outcropping rock detracts from the probability of this being artificial (ONB 1862).

Statistical Account (OSA) 1794; Name Book 1862.

On the crest of a ridge overlooking marshy ground to the south, there is a crude circle of ten large earthfast boulders with a diameter of approximately 6.0m. In the centre are two further boulders, while on the outside are several others. Whilst the majority appear to be natural outcrop, those in the centre appear to have been placed deliberately, but are most unlikely to be part of a stone circle.

Visited by OS (R D) 16 March 1965.

No change.

Visited by OS (R D) 18 October 1968.

This alleged stone circle was excavated in 1964 by W G Aitken who concluded that it was possibly an eroded cairn. Two subsequent visits by field investigators from RCAHMS agreed with the Ordnance Survey (1965, 1968) that this 'circle of stones' was a natural outcrop.

Information from RCAHMS (DE), February 2004