The standing stones were positioned between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago. There were originally three standing stones at Drumtroddan aligned northeast to southwest, but two have now fallen. The stone closest to the entrance fell sometime in 2011, after a period where it was observed to be leaning significantly. Looking at the way it tapered towards the bottom it is surprising that it did not snap under its own weight before it fell. The stones at either end of the alignment are around three meters in height, while the middle stone is a bit shorter. There may have once been a fourth stone in the alignment but there is no trace of this stone at the site now.

Short stone rows are thought to be of relatively late construction, but there is a belief that the stones in this alignment may have come from an earlier period. Who placed the stones and what their purpose was is no longer known.

Standing stones were commonly associated with larger stone circles or cairns, but this does not appear to have been the case at Drumtroddan, although there may be a link to the nearby cup and ring marks.

Frequently, mathematical and astronomical explanations are given for such standing stones.  It is most likely that the stones at Drumtroddan were erected for ceremonial purposes now lost to time, possibly with links to the observation of the Sun or Moon.