The Modern Antiquarian. Stone Circles, Ancient Sites, Neolithic Monuments, Ancient Monuments, Prehistoric Sites, Megalithic MysteriesThe Modern Antiquarian

Graystane

Standing Stone / Menhir

Miscellaneous

RCAHMS NMRS record no. HY30NE 18 at HY35700638 shows the first doubt as to its antiquity in the 1946 Inventory in favour of nature, being considered as a possible erratic. The latest survey thought the exact opposite, as it is is currently connected by the record with a nearby quarry (but in Orkney 'quarry' is as omnipresent as well/spring). However the nearest mining feature was a gravel pit and the Stove Quarry only came about in the 19th century with the demise of Stove itself.
It aligns NE/SW and is on the S side of the Orphir road, being only 2' away from the roadside but 3'6" lower than it. The stone is 2'6" long, 10" thick, and protrudes above field level 2'5". A probable settlement is over at the uphill side of the road.

It is interesting to note that there is a Grey Stone (HY50150484) at a slight turn in the St. Andrew's parish underboundary. So how does one distinguish between an existing feature attracting a boundary and one being placed to mark a boundary, especially where this itself could be prehistoric. Grey isn't exactly a distinguishing feature and it has been suggested [http://www.alkelda.f9.co.uk/lore3.htm] for another deeply Viking area that this actually refers to a (perceived or actual according to case) hoary antiquity by the original namers.
wideford Posted by wideford
16th November 2005ce

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