Machrie Moor Stone Circles
About
Machrie Moor Stone Circles on the Isle of Arran provide a rare glimpse into Scotland’s Neolithic past. The complex of circles, standing stones and cairns is positioned so that its alignments mark the sunrise and moonrise during solstices and equinoxes, turning the moor into a living astronomical observatory. Visitors can walk a 1.5 km track from the A841 to view the circles, including the impressive Circle 2 with its three massive sandstone slabs and Circle 5, known as Fingal’s Cauldron Seat, which together illustrate the site’s archaeological and cultural significance. The site is in state care, free to enter, and open to the public—though permission may be required for any surrounding private land.
Highlights
- Astronomical Alignments
- State Care Protection
- Impressive Circle 2
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
Summer, especially around the solstice when clear skies allow spectacular stargazing.
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 2 hours