Arran weaves her own wee spell, but Machrie is special. Eleven separate stone circles and groups of standing stones nestle into the Shiskine valley on the Western side of Arran, over a distance of about a mile. Six circles are still visible. There are many other monuments in the area including hut circles, standing stones, a chambered cairn, and two forts, but Machrie moor is the heart of this landcape.
Access is free – you just need to walk the mile or so from the small car park 5km north of Blackwaterfoot.
I took these photos in mid-May, the sun beating down after an unprecedented spell of several weeks of blue skies. I felt the energy rising as we approached through the village of Shiskine, about a mile away. The bog surrounding the site was dry. Skylarks hovered, chirruping their melody – a series of rapidly ascending and descending trills, like their wingbeats as they hover high up for several minutes before darting downwards.
I felt many different ‘micro-tunings’ going on in and around its various sites, with some spots feeling particularly strong. It felt so peaceful, but vibrant and alive, a kind of creative peace. It felt as though we were brought closer to the heart of Mother Earth.
Machrie can have a profound effect on you, if you allow it.
Further Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machrie_Moor_Stone_Circles
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/machrie-moor-standing-stones/
Below: Blues and pinks after sunset, Isle of Arran.