This week I was fortunate to 'hook-up' in the field with archaeo-astronomer Douglas Scott. Taking a trip to the prehistoric site of Clava Cairns, which Douglas has studied for over thirty years, I was honoured to have a full guided tour of the site complete with explanations about its astronomical alignments. During his meticulous research Douglas has discovered two types of alignment, a pattern of solar alignments at 45-day intervals, which cover the four quarter-days of midsummer, midwinter and the two equinoxes. In addition he has also found the grouping of the four quarter-days of folklore: Candlemas (February), Beltane (May), Lammas (August) and Samhain (November) plus a second pattern associated with the movements of the moon. I was totally captivated and for those of you who are interested in prehistoric sites and their astronomical alignments, I would highly recommened Douglas' booklet entitled 'The Clava Cairns'. There are plans a foot for Douglas and I to combine forces in the search for other archaeological sites, so watch this space!

The Site of Clava Cairns