On the western edge of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, overlooking the waters of Loch Roag, stand the mysterious Calanais standing stones. Erected around 5000 years ago, the stones form a circle surrounded by a cruciform shape, and are believed to have been an important site of ritual activity during the Bronze Age. A chambered tomb is also contained within the site but this is believed to have been added at a later date. Numerous other sites lie nearby, many within view of the main site, including several other stone circles and single stones. It is believed that this area was a focus for ritual and religious activity for over 1500 years, before finally being abandoned around 800 BCE.
So why are the stones here and what purpose did they serve? It is generally assumed that the stones at Calanais functioned as an astronomical lunar calendar. The moon’s position in relation to the visible horizon varies over time, peaking every 18.61 years. The Calanais Stones accurately mark this cycle.
At the major lunar standstill (the moon’s most northerly position in the night sky during the 18 year cycle) the moon aligns with the southern hills. The shape of the hills form the silhouette of a woman, known as “Cailleach na Mointeach” or the Old Woman of the Moors. The moon rises at the feet of the Old Woman, and slowly travels along the ridge of the hills, framed by the stones.
The next major lunar standstill will occur in April 2025 but you don’t need to leave it until then to visit the Isle of Lewis! The stones are a wonderful place to visit, whatever the season.
Stone circles and standing stones are a fairly common feature of the landscape here in Scotland. There are many carved Pictish stones, particularly in the north east, and Kilmartin Glen in Argyll boasts the highest concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in mainland Scotland. If you are as fascinated as we are by our distant ancestors then please just let us know, and we can build your tour around visits to some of Scotland’s most intriguing prehistoric sites.
So the Commonwealth Games kicked off in Glasgow last night 🏅🏅🏅
The opening ceremony was typically bonkers, and featured a massive Tunnocks teacake 😂🏴
Tunnocks teacakes consist of a thin biscuit layer topped with whipped marshmallow and covered in chocolate 😋 They are wrapped in iconic red and silver foil packaging and sold all over the country, in supermarkets and often in cafes. They are a taste sensation, and the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea. Be sure to try one if you’re visiting this summer!
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*If you’re travelling in the Highlands just now please be advised to avoid the Glenmore / Loch Morlich area due to wildfire 🥲**UPDATE - 14:15 on 16 July
Emergency services and partners continue to tackle a large-scale fire near Ryvoan Bothy. The emergency response is being coordinated at a national level involving the Scottish Government, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland, RSPB Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland, the Park Authority and multiple other partners.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have shared that the fire is currently affecting an area of approximately six squared kilometres. We are asking the public to follow the following guidance:
- Please do not travel to the area or attempt to access Glenmore Forest Park, Loch Morlich or the surrounding area while firefighting operations are ongoing. A strict cordon remains in place and road closures continue to support the emergency response.
- Those impacted by evacuations will have been contacted and we would ask everyone to cooperate fully with Police Scotland and other relevant authorities for their safety.
- Residents in Aviemore and surrounding areas are asked to close windows and doors to prevent smoke entering.
-Anyone with known respiratory conditions nearby is encouraged to contact 111 if they experience any difficulties. Contact 999 in an emergency.
Thermal drone footage captured by Park Authority staff last night has helped inform fire fighting efforts and highlight the scale of the fire, but the extent of the damage and the cause is not yet known.
Overnight emergency services, gamekeepers, NGO and estate staff were on the scene working tirelessly to control the fire. We are deeply grateful for their efforts, and those of the businesses and local community providing support to those affected.
We will provide further updates when we have them.
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