Drumtroddan standing stones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Drumtroddan standing stones |
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The site in 2005 before the second stone fell.
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| Designated | 31 December 1921 |
| Reference no. | SM90102 |
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The Drumtroddan standing stones are a group of very old stones found in Mochrum, Wigtownshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. These stones were set up by people long ago, possibly during the Neolithic (New Stone Age) or Bronze Age. This means they are thousands of years old!
Originally, there were three large stones standing in a line. Today, only one of them is still standing upright. The two stones at the ends are about 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) long. The middle stone is a bit shorter, around 2.7 meters (about 9 feet) long. These stones were likely placed here between 5,000 and 4,000 years ago. It's hard for experts to know the exact date.
What Were They For?
The real reason why these ancient people set up the Drumtroddan standing stones is still a mystery. Some people think they might have been used to watch the sun or the moon. This could have helped ancient communities keep track of the seasons or important dates.
Where Else Are They Found?
You can find similar groups of standing stones in other places. They are common in southwest Ireland and along the western coasts of Scotland. The Drumtroddan stones are part of a bigger area with other ancient sites. Nearby, you can also see the Drumtroddan cup and ring marked rocks and the Big Balcraig cup and ring marked rocks. These are rocks with strange patterns carved into them.
What Does "Drumtroddan" Mean?
The name "Drumtroddan" comes from the ancient Scottish Gaelic language. It means 'ridge of the quarrel'. The word druim means 'ridge', and trodan means 'quarrel' or 'disagreement'.
