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Recumbent stone circle,, of Early Bronze Age date. Its almost perfectly circular plan places this circle early in the series of recumbent stone circles. It is 19.5m in diameter and consists of 9 erect stones, the recumbent, two flankers plus two massive blocks which form a reserved area in front of the recumbent, almost perpendicular to it. The characteristic differentiation between the recumbent with its flankers and the other stones in the circle can be seen clearly, both in terms of height of stones and their geological origin. The stones are graded in height from the 2.25m high flankers to the 1.7m high stones on the circumference opposite. The stones are unusually broad and are of pinkish porphyry, with the stone next to the east flanker being of glowing red jasper. The flankers are grey granite. The recumbent is reddish granite, whose outer face has been smoothed carefully. Some evidence indicates that a ring cairn was situated inside it although no traces can be seen. The interior has a slightly hollowed area towards the centre. Keillar (1934) referred to a cist which 'had been covered with a capstone'. The low stone bank surrounding the circle has been added to in recent times. The stone of red jasper was said to have magical qualities if touched. As a result parts of the surface have been rubbed smooth over the centuries. Three possible cupmarks have been noted on the rear face (facing into the centre of the circle) of the left flanking stone. The name 'Easter Aquorthies' derives from Gaelic but opinions differ as to the exact meaning. Some believe that it means 'field of prayer' (from 'auch' or 'achd' meaning 'field', and 'ortha' meaning 'prayer'). Others contend that it means 'field of pillar stone' ('achadh choirthe').
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Historic Environment Records (HER)