To the west of Inverurie looms the imposing hill of Bennachie. This historic hill is the site of Scotland's first recorded battle, Mons Graupius, in which the Romans, led by Agricola, defeated the Picts in 84 AD. After the battle the Romans documented the first Scot to appear in history - a tribal chief named Csalgacus. The Romans, athough victorious, left the area soon after the battle. Home to Thainstone Mart, one of Europe's largest livestock markets, this affluent village makes a convenient base to explore the many castles, Pictish stones and relics in the surrounding countryside. The Bennachie Centre is geared to the interpretation of the social and natural history of the area. To the north stands the Maiden Stone (HS) and a wealth of other archaeological sites, including stone circles, which are signposted. Inverurie VisitScotland Information Centre (seasonal) 01467 625800