Altar Stone mystery continues as Stonehenge theory overturned

A new study exploring the origins of the six tonne Altar Stone at Stonehenge has ruled out a theory that it came from an area of Scotland. The 4.9 metre sandstone slab within the circle was initially believed to have originated in Wales until a more recent study pointed towards it coming from north east Scotland.

Scientific tests were carried out in the Orcadian Basin area of Scotland, but researchers failed to find a location with the same characteristics of the stone in that area. However study lead, Professor Duncan Pirrie from the University of South Wales, said the latest investigation has left them "far better equipped to focus on the areas most likely to yield an answer." Pirrie said his latest publication on the Altar Stone has "built the clearest picture yet" and was "the most comprehensive geological investigation of the Altar Stone ever undertaken".

Professor Nick Pearce from Aberystwyth University, who worked on the previous research, said "ruling out potential source areas is just as important as identifying new ones".