BC B.C. Traditional Cache
allieballie: To set up a new cache in the same place
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Balbirnie Circle is a stone circle 15 metres in diameter which dates from around 3000B.C.
It would have formed part of a larger prehistoric complex which included Balfarg Henge (see “Not Such A New Town“ cache). The size of this complex would indicate that it must have been an important ceremonial site during Neolithic times. Although it seems likely that the structures at both sites were built at about the same time, the circle here at Balbirnie appears to have been in use after activity had ceased at Balfarg.
The circle used to be located just over 100metres to the north west but it was relocated when the nearby A92 was widened. Historic Scotland excavated the site at the start of the 1970’s. Today there are eight stones left but there would have been ten originally. Burials took place within the circle, and one of the burial cists has a stone marked with cup and cup-and-ring marks (now replaced with a concrete replica). During the archaeological dig, several finds were made including cremated bones, a beaker, a flint knife and a jet button. All of these are now in the Royal Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.
Parking available on the road next to the circle. Signal was erratic under the trees but the hint will help if you need it.
Cache contents at time of placing: 2 x AA batteries, heart sequins, girls bookmark, flying thing, bottle stopper, sellotape, post its, colouring pencils.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Zvqqyr bs byq ebggra zbffl gerr fghzc
Treasures
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