Mystical Sentinels of Time: Scotland's Enigmatic Standing Stones
When we think of ancient mysteries and the passage of time, few places evoke a sense of wonder quite like Scotland's standing stones. These majestic monoliths have silently witnessed over 10,000 years of history, standing as enduring testaments to the enigmatic past of this rugged land. Join us on a journey through Scotland's rich tapestry of stone circles, where ceremony, worship, and ancient gatherings once thrived.
The Origins of Standing Stones
Standing stones are large vertical stones or boulders that have either occurred naturally over time, such as an erratic, or have been man-made, like a monolith or menhir. The significance of man-made standing stones is largely debated as they date all the way back to the Stone Age, though it's widely believed that they were placed in order to memorialise a notable event/celebration or to signify religious beliefs.
Natural stones, on the other hand, are placed by nature itself; for instance, erratics were transported across the lands long ago carried by glacial ice, whereas rocking stones form as a result of extreme weather conditions and erosion over time. Regardless of how natural stones occur, some of them are so bizarre that they actually look man-made.
Calanais Standing Stones - Isle of Lewis
On the remote Isle of Lewis, you'll find the awe-inspiring Calanais Standing Stones, affectionately known as the "Stonehenge of the North." These weathered sentinels, believed to be between 3,000 to 5,000 years old, have stories etched into their very essence. In the 17th century, the locals referred to them as "na fir bhrèige" or "the false men." Step into the world of Outlander, where these very stones inspired the creation of the fictional standing stones, and let the history and romance of this ancient site wash over you.
Machrie Moor Standing Stones - Isle of Arran
The Isle of Arran beckons with its dramatic moorland, a treasure trove of archaeological wonders. Here, amid the heather and rolling hills, you'll encounter the Machrie Moor Standing Stones. These monoliths, part of a rich archaeological tapestry, include stone circles and burial cairns. Dating back to between 3,500 and 1,500 BC, these stones may have once served as celestial observatories, connecting ancient inhabitants with the cosmos.
Ring of Brodgar - Orkney
For an awe-inspiring encounter with prehistoric stone circles, venture to the Orkney Islands and behold the magnificent Ring of Brodgar. Comprising 27 imposing stones, this site stands as a UNESCO World Heritage marvel within the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
Here, you'll also discover the Stones of Stenness, forming a constellation of historical significance that transcends time.
Clava Cairns - Inverness
In the picturesque surroundings of Inverness, the Clava Cairns await your exploration. This well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex boasts ring cairns, kerb cairns, and standing stones.
There are in fact 3 burial cairns here that you can walk into the centre of. Why our ancestors spent so much time creating these elaborate forms of burial is a much asked question among historians.
What significance do they all have?
Each stone, whether carved by nature or human endeavor, carries with it a piece of Scotland's timeless legacy, inviting you to unravel its mysteries. Join us on a quest through time, as we travel to Kilmartin Glen and discover some of these ancient sites, enter where there lives thousands of years of history and ponder what it all means. Click the photo below for more info!
