Stonehenge's iconic Altar Stone did not come from Orkney - but elsewhere in north-eastern Scotland, scientists say. The new findings

It was mere weeks ago that the origin of Stonehenge's Altar Stone was shockingly revealed to be hundreds of kilometers further away from the monument than previously thought. Now, another study has complicated the picture even more – by definitively ruling out the most likely location for the Altar Stone's starting point.

The mysterious origins of Stonehenge ’s Altar Stone has deepened as new research has found it did not come from Orkney. Last month, it was revealed that the massive six-tonne stone at the heart of the monument was brought to Stonehenge from the far north of Scotland, and not Wales, like the monument’s bluestones.

The actual source of the stone remained unknown until now. One archaeologist said it was a "surprise that it's come from so far away."

The mysterious origins of Stonehenge’s Altar Stone has deepened as new research has found it did not come from Orkney

The quest for the origins of Stonehenge's six-tonne Altar Stone continues as new research has found it did not come from mainland Orkney. Last month it was revealed the iconic stone came from north-east Scotland and not Wales, like the monument's bluestones do.

More research could help to discover whether a central part of the world-famous prehistoric monument at Stonehenge really did come from Caithness.