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Fieldnotes
| There are many reasons why certain prehistoric monuments may leave the visitor more 'fullfilled' - for want of a better word - than others. As it happens, I don't subscribe to any formula, as such... massive stones, for example, won't suffice if the siting is wrong. But sometimes multiplex, diverse factors combine, like ingredients in the hands of a master chef, to produce the perfect vibe. For me, my Masterchefs included the people who erected the glorious monoliths upon the northern slopes of Dunruchan Hill. Why? Startling originality, for one. Truly bonkers. Sure, I've seen finer monoliths.... for example the Lewissian Gneiss of the Calanais 'circles cannot, in my opinion, be bettered for intricacy of grain, the 'stanley knife' Stenness stones, for profile. But each and every stone upon this hillside has clearly been selected to be as 'different' from its neighbour as possible. One is conventionally rounded, one a massive, brutish slab resembling a capstone suspended in perpetuality above it's robbed cist. Another is a completely orgasmic, thrusting phallus of a standing stone [as AngieLake notes] akin to a supercharged, viagra chewin' version of the centre stone at Boscawen-un. Look at the base.... it was meant to stand at this angle. Why? Oh come on! Surely it can only be shouting 'Let's get it on, Mother Earth, right here, right now!' Then there's a classic of flowing lines and pointed summit, achingly evocative, even against a sunlit landscape. The first to be encountered when ascending the hillside is arguably the most traditional in form. Ha! To coax would be visitors into a false 'comfort zone' perhaps? Well, it worked upon me. Oh, there's also a sixth stone standing just across the minor Culloch/Craggan road near Craigneich Farm. Plus a number more further to the east....... So, how can the complex at Dunruchan be explained in rational terms? No idea. Not a stone row, unless the surveyor had an extremely 'serpentine' ruler! In my experience a grouping of this magnitude and form is unique [I would welcome notification of any parallels]. What's more, the observant motorist heading east along the aforementioned minor road may catch sight of one or two stones, but that is all. It would seem you had to be 'in the know' to join the party. Parking is not easy, it being just about possible to squeeze a car upon the verge here or there. As it happens the Craigneich farmer drives by in his lorry, followed by wife on quad bike. I waive her down and am invited to park at the end of the south facing farm track, this enclosed by one of the most fragile wooden gates ever. 'You want to visit the standing stones? Great!' I'd therefore suggest having a word is perhaps the best option. Park safely because you will want to spend quite some time amongst the Dunruchan Stones and inconveniencing such people is not an option. |
Posted by GLADMAN17th June 2010ce Edited 17th June 2010ce
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Comments (3) |
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The group is a great example of zero archaeoastronomy which ever way you "align" them . |
Posted by tiompan17th June 2010ce |
| Did Thom ever come here? Must have driven him nuts if he did, then........ |
Posted by GLADMAN 17th June 2010ce |
| He did visit Dalchirla ,only a couple of miles away and a lot less interesting but I can't think of a mention of Dunruchan so maybe he went quietly nuts and said nothing . |
Posted by tiompan 17th June 2010ce |
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