Achavanich Broubster, Scotland 42.7m diameter
Latitude: 58.356915N Longitude: -3.389524W grid reference ND188417
midsummer sunrise 36.8°, midwinter ~135.2°, and midspring and midautumn is ~90°
To locate the stone structure copy and paste the following latitude and longitude into the following map -
58.356915 -3.389524 into bing.com/maps/ .
This is defiantly a constructed standing stone structure and has a similar orientation to the low 'Stemster Hill' as that of Aberscross to The Mound. This hill gives a very level clear definition against the sky. Stemster Hill appears to be a possible fixed point for the sunrises progression, with the stone structure a fixed observation point - the sides of Stemster Hill give either midsummer or midwinter with sharply defined ridges on the East South side closely aligned with the midwinter sunrise.
At spring or autumn the horizon sunrise will be hidden by the hill. But the angle of the sun rising should position the appearance of the sun at the top of the hill to indicate either spring or autumn. The height of the hill relative to the stone structure is around 90 feet, giving the angle of visible sunrise as per the Figure below.
The structure may have well have been used as a foundation and support for a stock pen and market, trading in grain and live stock for a settled Neolithic community. It is assumed to be around 3000 BC via internet sites but no source is given of this information.
Note, as for Aberscross, if the stone structure were in any other position it could not be used as a season forecaster.
Please refer to the Figure and photos below.
