History near Moray: How a 'Druidical Temple' made way for a busy road
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To most motorists on the A96 and A9 the Raigmore Circle is just a large and often congested interchange on the outskirts of Inverness.
However, a much older circle stands nearby.
The first edition Ordnance Survey Maps published in 1880 show 40 stones ranging from 2ft-5ft in height and refer to them as a "Druidical Temple".
Three years later, in 1883, a local civil engineer called James Fraser formally surveyed the site on behalf of the Inverness Scientific Society and Field Club.
His plan shows 39 stones in the outer circle with six lying inside.
The site then remained undisturbed for almost 90 years until 1972, when plans for the new A9 approach to the proposed Kessock Bridge were formulated.
Realising that the circle was in its path, permission was given for archaeologists from the University of Leicester to excavate the site prior to the stones being re-assembled slightly to the south of their original position.
As well as finding flint tools, Bronze Age pottery and a Roman brooch, the dig revealed that the stone circle, believed to date from 1600 BC, was built over a significantly older settlement which dated from 3000 BC.
Both the Burgh Council and Field Club approached the ministry of transport to have the line of the road altered so that the circle could remain in-situ, however the site was “dismantled” in August 1973.
One year later, the circle was “reassembled” on its present site off Ashton Road with costs being met by the Scottish development department.
The 1883 survey proved invaluable in ensuring that the stones were correctly placed, although to many this was simply a gesture, the value and spirit of the circle having been destroyed in its demolition.
The Highland Archive Centre has been using social media to highlight documents it holds that tell the story of the local landscape and environment.
Its popular Learn with Lorna talks are broadcast live on its Facebook pages at 11am each Thursday,
From June 21 visits to the Highland Archive Centre can be booked.
Email archives@highlifehighland.com or call 01349 781130.
