The name Midmar, formerly Migmar,[1] is of Pictish origin.[1] The first element is mig- meaning "bog, swamp" (c.f. Welshmig(n)),[1] while the second is the district name Mar.[1]
Midmar is a largely rural community, and links to Midmar Castle and Midmar Manor House. The castle dates from the 16th century.[2] The current church dates from 1787.[3] The previous church, St Nidian's, was located over half a kilometre to the south and now forms part of a scheduled monument that includes a medieval motte known as Cunningar Motte.[4][5]
The oil boom in the 1970s created a temporary burst in building due to the village's proximity to Aberdeen.[6]
Stone circles
Midmar stone circle lies adjacent to the parish church. The 17m diameter circle features stones up to 2.45m high.[3] The stones have been described as "fang-like".[7] In 1914, the stones were disturbed by the construction of a new graveyard.[3] The circle was scheduled as an ancient monument in 1925 and 1970.[8]
The three circles are supplemented by other standing stones of similar date, scattered throughout the area.[citation needed] One example is a standing stone 100 metres north of the Midmar circle.[8]
Several hamlets are associated with Midmar. One of these, Bankhead, has a former free church chapel (now converted to a domestic residence) that is a category B listed building.[12]
^ abcWelfare, Adam (2011). Great crowns of stone: The recumbent stone circles of Scotland. Edinburgh: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Momuments of Scotland. pp. 398–399. ISBN9781902419558.
^Welfare, Adam (2011). Great crowns of stone: The recumbent stone circles of Scotland. Edinburgh: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Momuments of Scotland. ISBN9781902419558.