Hidden for millennia: Mystery ancient stone circle discovered beneath Scotland's Machrie Moor

An ancient stone circle, hidden for millennia, has been unearthed beneath the peat moorland of Machrie Moor on Scotland's Isle of Arran. The discovery was made during a geographical survey by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), adding another layer to the site's rich Neolithic and Bronze Age history, which spans from 3,500 BCE to 1,500 BCE.

This newly found circle joins six others previously identified at Machrie Moor, known as Circles 1 through 5 and Circle 11. Excavations have also revealed that timber circles once stood in the same locations as some of the existing stone circles. HES stated in late June that the recently discovered circle likely dates to the same period as the others.

“

We are tremendously excited about this new discovery. We know that there is a lot of archaeology yet to uncover at Machrie Moor, but the discovery of a new circle completely surpassed our expectations.

Advanced technology, including ground-scanning tools, revealed twelve circular pit-like anomalies. When connected, these anomalies form a circle with spaces for two additional pits. Archaeologists suggest that these pits may have served as "settings" for stone or timber posts, as no stones were found within them. Such stone circles are often associated with ritualistic and ceremonial activities, similar to Stonehenge in England.

“

The tools we use to learn about what’s underground are constantly developing, and we can learn more and more about our buried history without disturbing the earth and potentially damaging archaeological remains.

The Machrie Moor circle aligns with a significant notch in Machrie Glen, which would have offered a clear view of the midsummer sunrise. This alignment suggests it may have been used by Neolithic and Bronze Age farmers for observing celestial events during festivities. The site may also have been used for burials, including cremations and inhumations, though further research is needed to confirm this.

Dr. Nick Hannon, senior heritage recording manager at HES, expressed excitement about the discovery, noting that it surpassed expectations and highlighted the ongoing potential for uncovering Scotland's past without disturbing the earth. "Discoveries like this one remind us why we do this work – to look after Scotland’s heritage and uncover more of our past in the process," he said.

“

Discoveries like this one remind us why we do this work – to look after Scotland’s heritage and uncover more of our past in the process.