I’m now going to show you a few more sites, starting with this impressive stone row at Ballymeanoch.
The stones appear almost out of nowhere, blending into the field from a distance and then rising up in stark profile against the sun as you get closer. There are six stones in all, set in relatively straight lines of two and four which are aligned approximately north-west to south-east. The tallest is 12 feet high, and some of the others must be approaching this height; up close, they have quite a presence.
I’ve visited quite a few circles and rows, and sometimes they strike me as ‘masculine’ or ‘feminine’. Ballymeanoch seemed distinctly feminine, and to me there seemed to be quite a joyful ‘fizz’ in the texture of the stones.
When I went round to the south side of the four-stone row, I was thrilled to see the rich ‘gardens‘ of lichen that each one has growing on its face. What a profusion of feathery green and silver, thriving on a surface that has stood to welcome the sunrise for thousands of years. The two middle stones are riddled with cup-marks, difficult to see unless you catch the shadow. One of the others was curiously lined, although whether these lines are man-made or natural is open to interpretation.
The most southerly midsummer full moon rises in line with the two standing stones, while the midwinter sun rises in line with the four stones.”
Historic Scotland
The row of two, seen edge-on
According to the information sign, there was once a seventh stone further to the north-west. It was pierced with a hole, and, in an age-old tradition, two people would clasp hands through it to seal a betrothal. A local archaeologist, Marion Campbell (1919-2000) remembered looking through it when she was a child. This stone toppled over during a storm in 1943, narrowly missing a Shetland pony which had been sheltering against it. Marion recalled that “the poor beast was nearly scared to death.”
It’s interesting to consider what significance this pierced stone might have had, in relation to the others; and to wonder who might have been watching the heavens… and for what. Historic Scotland suggests that all the stones may have been prised from outcrops that had been decorated with cup and ring markings 1,500 years earlier. But why? Why not decorate the stones once you’d got them out? (If you have any ideas about this, please feel free to share them!)
Cremated human bones were found in the pit where the pierced stone had stood; they date from between 1370 and 1050 BC, and the RCAHMS considers that they were “probably buried as a foundation deposit when the stone was erected.” After the stone fell over, the broken fragments were moved nearby, and I may have stumbled across the pierced section without knowing what it was.
About 20 yards or so from the stone rows (and very close to the pierced fragment) is a kerb-cairn consisting of about 10 smallish slabs set upright in a rough circle, with a mound of grassed-over rubble or stones in the centre. There’s nothing to say how many stones would have stood here originally, and I can find no record of a burial. One source suggests a date for the kerb-cairn of between 1400 and 1200 BC.
On the northern boundary is an old tree – most likely an oak – which has contorted itself into an interesting shape, as if it’s reaching out towards the stones. It still has a long way to go, but it’s making a valiant effort.
In 1993, a geophysical inspection of the field detected “linear anomalies” on the same alignment as the four-stone row and running to meet them at their south-easterly end. The RCAHMS observes that “there is a good case to suggest that they represent the remains of a prehistoric earthwork avenue.”
Kilmartin is a spectacular place, but it feels reassuringly unchanged, so that you can still feel the undisturbed ancient peace beneath your feet. It’s dream-like on a windless sunny day, but beautiful in all weather: check out my earlier features on Dunchraigaig and Nether Largie to see for yourself!
Visiting Kilmartin Glen
Temple Wood stone circles
Deservedly called ‘Scotland’s Richest Prehistoric Landscape’, Kilmartin lies about 30 miles south of Oban in Argyll. Kilmartin Museum contains many artefacts and relics found in the Glen, and is well worth a visit.
How interesting, I’ve never considered standing stones as having a gender. I like the idea of these females having a ‘joyful fizz’. Very striking photos, too. 🙂
Thank you, Lorna! They seemed to work quite well in black and white this time, because of the contrast. Haha, maybe I’m being fanciful, but as I’ve said before, I’ll probably end up being “the old woman who talks to the stones”!
Being an old woman talking to stones doesn’t sound all that bad to me. 🙂 Really like your use of black and white. But especially like that you’ve included the color shots, also. Each highlights different aspects. Well done, Jo!
Thank you very much, Jane! I love these ancient sites, too. You can probably tell! 🙂 I’ve been wanting to explore Kilmartin for a long time, and I’ve still only scratched the surface.
Thats the bit I am looking forward to….hopefully I will get there 🙂 We were going to go further up for the second part of our holiday, but decided to stay around Oban and do as many Islands as we can, so there should be time to do the church 🙂
The stones appear almost out of nowhere, blending into the field from a distance and then rising up in stark profile against the sun as you get closer. There are six stones in all, set in relatively straight lines of two and four which are aligned approximately north-west to south-east. The tallest is 12 feet high, and some of the others must be approaching this height; up close, they have quite a presence.
The row of two, seen edge-on
About 20 yards or so from the stone rows (and very close to the pierced fragment) is a kerb-cairn consisting of about 10 smallish slabs set upright in a rough circle, with a mound of grassed-over rubble or stones in the centre. There’s nothing to say how many stones would have stood here originally, and I can find no record of a burial. One source suggests a date for the kerb-cairn of between 1400 and 1200 BC.
On the northern boundary is an old tree – most likely an oak – which has contorted itself into an interesting shape, as if it’s reaching out towards the stones. It still has a long way to go, but it’s making a valiant effort.
In 1993, a geophysical inspection of the field detected “linear anomalies” on the same alignment as the four-stone row and running to meet them at their south-easterly end. The RCAHMS observes that “there is a good case to suggest that they represent the remains of a prehistoric earthwork avenue.”
21 Comments
The Heritage Photographer
Jo, I am in awe of your work. Another great post. Thank you. Ian Douglas
Jo Woolf
Thank you very much, Ian! Have you visited Kilmartin yourself?
Lorna
How interesting, I’ve never considered standing stones as having a gender. I like the idea of these females having a ‘joyful fizz’. Very striking photos, too. 🙂
Jo Woolf
Thank you, Lorna! They seemed to work quite well in black and white this time, because of the contrast. Haha, maybe I’m being fanciful, but as I’ve said before, I’ll probably end up being “the old woman who talks to the stones”!
winderjssc
Fascinating and beautiful, Jo.
Jo Woolf
Thanks, Jessica. Kilmartin is such a special place!
Pat
Being an old woman talking to stones doesn’t sound all that bad to me. 🙂 Really like your use of black and white. But especially like that you’ve included the color shots, also. Each highlights different aspects. Well done, Jo!
Jo Woolf
Thanks, Pat! 🙂 Glad you think so! Glad also you liked the b&w. It was the contrast that made me think about it.
Jane
I always enjoy your posts but I am particularly interested in these kind of sites. Fascinating! Well researched and photographed as usual. Thank you.
Jo Woolf
Thank you very much, Jane! I love these ancient sites, too. You can probably tell! 🙂 I’ve been wanting to explore Kilmartin for a long time, and I’ve still only scratched the surface.
http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com
Fascinating The lichens are really lovely and I always enjoy grubbing around old walls etc to see how pure the air is
love,
ViV
Jo Woolf
So do I, Viv, and the lichens are a true testament to the air quality. A very special place.
blosslyn
I’m not sure how I missed this post, really looking forward to visiting now 🙂
Jo Woolf
Kilmartin is a special place, Lynne, as you know! Time doesn’t seem to exist there. I have yet to get to the church to see the carvings!
blosslyn
Thats the bit I am looking forward to….hopefully I will get there 🙂 We were going to go further up for the second part of our holiday, but decided to stay around Oban and do as many Islands as we can, so there should be time to do the church 🙂
Pete Woolf
Hi Jo. Lovely pics and v nice words about Kilmatin. I’ll press u for more info when I cu. rgds Pete
Jo Woolf
You would love it, Pete! Look forward to telling you about it. 🙂
bitaboutbritain
Stunning. I’d never thought about the male/female thing before.
Jo Woolf
Thank you – yes, it’s interesting, isn’t it? I realise it’s a very personal thing, though, and everyone’s response is different.
David Cameron
Lichens growing on the plain stones. Fascinating, Isn’t ?
Jo Woolf
Yes! They have almost become living organisms in themselves.