 Recumbent and flankers in 2020 | |
 Interactive map of Sunhoney | |
| Location | Scotland |
|---|---|
| Region | Aberdeenshire |
| Coordinates | 57°08′29″N2°28′16″W / 57.141329°N 2.4710916°W /57.141329; -2.4710916 |
| OS grid reference | NJ715057 |
| Type | Recumbent stone circle |
| Site notes | |
| Public access | Yes |
| Official name | Sunhoeny stone circle |
| Type | Prehistoric ritual and funerary: stone circle or ring |
| Designated | 31 August 1925 |
| Reference no. | SM44 |
Sunhoney is astone circle of therecumbent type, which is common in the Grampian region, in particular at theRiver Dee. Sunhoney is situated about 2 km west ofEcht inAberdeenshire, near to theCullerlie and Midmar stone circles. It is designated ascheduled monument
Arecumbent stone circle is a type ofstone circle constructed in the earlyBronze Age. The identifying feature is that the largest stone (the recumbent) is always laid horizontally, with its long axis generally aligned with the perimeter of the ring between the south and southwest.[1][2] A flanker stone stands each side of the recumbent and these are typically the tallest stones in the circle, with the smallest being situated on the northeastern aspect. The rest of the circle is usually composed of between six and tenorthostats graded by size.[1] The builders tended to select a site which was on a levelspur of a hill with excellent views to other landmarks.[3] Over seventy of these circles are found in lowlandAberdeenshire in northeast Scotland – the most similar monuments are theaxial stone circles of southwest Ireland. Recumbent stone circles generally enclosed a lowring cairn, though over the millennia these have often disappeared.[2] They may have been a development from theClava cairns found nearby inInverness-shire and axial stone circles may have followed the design.[2][4] Whilst cremated remains have been found at some sites, the precise function of these circles is not known.[5]
The circle is 25.40 metres in diameter and is formed by 12 stones, namely the recumbent, two flankers and nine others.[6] The recumbent has broken into two parts and bears a number ofcup marks. These have been counted variously as 28, 30 or 31 in total.[6][7]
Inside the circle is aring cairn. At the excavation in 1865 byCharles Dalrymple, remains of cremations were discovered. Since it is in relatively good condition, researchers have assessed Sunhoney for itsarchaeoastronomy.Norman Lockyer was first to do so, then George Browne on two occasions, in 1906 and 1920.Alexander Thom,Aubrey Burl andClive Ruggles have also more recently worked on the site.[7] The recumbent was observed to face the Blackyduds hill. The most recent geological survey was carried out in 2006 by Simon Howard, Diane Mitchell and Nigel Ruckley.[7]
The site has been designated ascheduled monument.[8] Another recumbent stone circle is about 2 km to the west, at the church ofMidmar andCullerlie stone circle is also nearby.