Symbols and Stones – Deeside’s Da Vinci Code
The Mediaeval Knights Templars were renowned for their use of symbols, an effective way of communicating in a world where few people could read and write. Scattered throughout the North East of Scotland are enigmatic stones carved by the earlier Picts with strange beasts and symbols, some not unlike representations of the Divine Feminine in Dan Brown’s tale. Going back further in time, Bronze Age recumbent stone circles, a feature peculiar to the region, bring further mystery with their astronomical and symbolic alignments.
Join us on a tour through the beautiful scenery of Deeside to visit some of these enigmatic sites and hear the history and stories behind these fascinating and iconic monuments.
Itinerary
Starting at the atmospheric ruined Templars’ churches in the grounds of Maryculter House Hotel and then Kirkton of Aboyne, we’ll discover how both were founded in the 13th century by the somewhat notorious Walter Bisset, who also founded Aboyne Castle.
An exclusive visit to the nearby Aboyne Castle Estate reveals the bell tower and bell moved from the church at Kirkton of Aboyne when it was abandoned in the 19th century. Built within the fabric of the church was an even older, beautifully carved Pictish symbol stone, showing how religious and sacred sites were often used and re-used over many ages, a theme explored by the tour.
Our next stop, Tullich Kirk near Ballater, a Templars church built on the site of a 7th century, possibly pre-Christian (Druidic) monastery, harbours an impressive array of Pictish stones which bear witness to the transition from pagan to Christian eras. Travelling on to Migvie Kirk, the timeline stretches further, from Neolithic times to the present, and then on to the mysterious Bronze Age Tomnaverie Stone Circle, where the altar stones align with a specific lunar cycle.
We finish the day with a visit to the beautiful Midmar Kirkyard, where the 18th century church was built next to a stone circle in the belief that early Christian druids had built and used the stones, which made them blessed!
Visits to: Maryculter ruined Templar church; Kirkton of Aboyne, site of Templars Church and historic kirkyard; Aboyne Castle Estate; Tullich ruined Templar church and Pictish symbol stones; Migvie Kirk Pictish symbol stones & Neolithic cup & ring-marked rock; Tomnaverie Stone Circle; Midmar Kirk Stone Circle