Solstice celebrated around the Border region

Long Meg and Her Daughters, Cumbria. Credit: Lily Webb-Crollman.

Thousands of people across the country have gathered at ancient sites including Long Meg and the Twelve Apostles stone circle near Dumfries to celebrate the summer solstice.

Twelve Apostles stone circle, near Dumfries Credit: Tom Hughes.

It marks the longest period of daylight hours and the shortest night of the year.

The solstice takes place as one of the earth’s poles hits its maximum tilt toward the sun and the sun reaches its highest position in the sky.

Fairgirth Loc, Dumfries Credit: Brenda Faulds
Maryport. Credit: ITV Weather.

The summer solstice has been a significant time of year in many cultures, and has been marked by festivals and rituals.

Many Neolithic stone circles, appear to have been built around the movement of the sun during the solstice.


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