Kinord

The remains, now on the Nature Reserve around Lochs Davan and Kinord, have been most extensively studied by Sir Alexander Ogston, who was one of Queen Victoria's Physicians.

The main archaeological interest on the Reserve is almost certainly formed by an extensive set of settlement, field and track systems.

The main settlement sites at Old and New Kinord (the latter is more readily visible) include round, low, stone-walled enclosures, some with sunken interiors, which are usually referred to as hut circles. They are rather larger than the hut circles commonly found in Northern Scotland, and may have been enclosures in which smaller timber huts were placed: some have attached souterrains.

The field systems incorporate low stone banks and stone clearance heaps and the tracks are defined by stone dykes or by a slight hollowing of the land surface.

Although some of these elements appear to be contemporary with the settlement sites, this is far from clear for the whole system.

In the absence of modern excavation and radio-carbon measurements, dating is difficult, but may span several centuries either in the last millennium BC or the first AD.

The smallest islet in Loch Kinord (NO 443 995) is in fact one of the few crannogs known in the North east of Scotland. It is an artificial island, built up of stones and wood, which may date from the Iron Age. A Pictish cross can also be seen overlooking Loch Kinord.

Directions

• Grid ref: NJ 444 002 and NJ 449 001 - Ordnance Survey Landranger series sheet no. 37

6 miles W of Aboyne. Turn N off A93 onto B9119 at Dinnet. In 1 mile enter National Nature Reserve on W and walk.