A historic church with a 4,000-year-old stone circle in its grounds has hit the market for offers over £50,000.
Midmar Kirk, situated around two miles west of Echt, Aberdeenshire, with views overlooking the countryside, has been put up for sale by the Church of Scotland.
It comes as the Church has been downsizing its property portfolio in a bid to cut costs.
The property is home to the historic Midmar Stone Circle, which is thought to be over 4000 years old.
The Church of Scotland is selling off many of its buildings, including Midmar Kirk
The property is home to the historic Midmar Stone Circle, which is thought to be over 4000 years old
It consists of eight stones making up an incomplete ring, measuring 17m across.
The horizontal 'recumbent' stone is flanked by two standing stones 2.5m high, which have been likened to fangs.
The church is thought to have been built deliberately close to the circle due to the 18th century belief that the monument was a druid religious structure, as druidism was once considered an offshoot of Christianity.
It was incorporated into the landscaped grounds of the church when the kirkyard was extended in 1914.
According to records, Midmar Kirk was 'built in close proximity to the circle, the result of an 18th-Century belief that the monument was a Druid religious structure - Druidism at this time was thought to be an offshoot of Christianity'.
Historic Environment Scotland describes the stone circle as of 'national importance' and 'unique to the north-east of Scotland'.
Its website reads: 'Although this monument has suffered some damage through the construction of the adjacent graveyard, it is substantially intact, and survives in good condition.
'The monument also comprises an adjacent standing stone, which is likely to be associated with the original function of the circle.
'It has the potential to provide important information about prehistoric ritual activity in this area.'
Midmar is a B-listed property and consists of the main church, kitchen, playroom, organ and office area.
The Church of Scotland has been downsizing its property portfolio amid falling congregations, plummeting income and shortage of ministers
A Church of Scotland spokesman said: 'The stone circle - which was apparently built to reflect the lunar rather than solar cycle - is in the care of Historic Scotland and the Church of Scotland.
'Any new owner of the church building will have no locus over the circle but they will have a very interesting neighbour.'
Midmar Church has been put up for sale after its congregation joined the nearby Echt Parish Church to form part of Bennachie Parish. The Midmar Church building is now 'surplus to requirements', although it currently remains in use.
The spokesman added: 'Potential buyers will have the opportunity to buy a very attractive B-listed church building with views across the Aberdeenshire countryside, and in an atmospheric location with a unique religious heritage which dates back millennia.
'The church is still being used in the meantime. It holds services on the first Sunday of each month and is available for other services such as weddings and funerals.'
The Church of
Scotland has been downsizing its property portfolio amid falling
congregations, plummeting income and shortage of ministers.