King Robert's great charter of 1319, allowed the citizens of Aberdeen to own the Burgh, the forests and all the revenue from the land within the borders. The revenue from the Freedom Lands is known as "The Common Good Fund".
The Burgh borders were marked by 67 March Stones the first being Alpha and the last Omega. The stones can still be found today, Alpha is near Old Ford Road on the banks of the Dee, whilst Omega is in open ground by the Bridge of Don.
March Stones 38 & 39 should be located near Astown Farm Craibstone but as yet remain illusive to us and unfound! The City Historian tells us that they are there but are difficult to find
March Stone 38 marked ‘38 ABN’ is reported to be at N57 10.777 W002 13.247
This should be on the south side of the road from Ashtown near bridge where the Gough Burn issues from the Moss of Brimond.
It was described in 1698 as an earth fast stone marked by a saucer. The Gough Burn was historically given as the Golf Burn.
March Stone 39 marked ’39 ABN’is reported to be at N57 10.780 W002 13.211
This should be on the north side of the road 50 metres east of number 38.
It is described as the stone which may have marked the extent of the original land of Craibstone.
The cache is located close to the above coordinates of the two illusive stones
A guide to the March Stone Trail is available at www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/trails