Circles of standing stones are not unique to Grampian and are found in other parts of Britain. However, the recumbent stone circle is a Grampian speciality within this broad theme. They conform to a distinctive pattern: a circle of stones, graded in height, with the two tallest set in the south-west part of the arc and flanking a large block laid on its side. Often, there is a low circular burial cairn inside the circle. (This is called a ring cairn.)

Though the beliefs or rituals connected with these stones can only be speculation, the precise setting of the stones seems linked to the cycles of the moon - in fact, some very precise alignments have been noted in connection with a lunar cycle of 18.6 years. The stones can be interpreted as lunar observatories - and thus had a practical function in marking the seasons and could predict the best times, for example, to plant crops.

These are places to let the imagination free. Why would people with stone tools quarry and dress stones which in some cases weigh more than 20 tons, then move them using only the simplest of rollers? Assume two men per ton of weight to pull the stone over level ground (more if going uphill). Add extra people if going uphill. Count the stones and estimate the man-hours! What does it all mean?