Scotland - The Western Isles
Isle of Lewis - Callanish Standing Stones - Historic Stone Circle
Sep 14, 2008
The Callanish Stones are set in a circle like Stonehenge and nobody seems to know why they are there although there are lots of theories. There are other standing stones scattered around the area but the most famous is Callanish.
Callanish Stones: Why Were They Built?
The arrangement of the stones is complicated. They are set in a circle like Stonehenge and some experts say there are astronomical connections with the rising and setting of the moon - a sort of astronomical calendar.
There will always be sceptics and some people will argue about the relevance of these astronomical alignments. However, as many have pointed out, the alignment of the stones points to some nearby hills where, man-made or otherwise, there is a clear profile of a female outlined on the horizon. It is at this point that that the moon joins the earth once every 18.61 years - completing the full lunar cycle. So is it any wonder that these ancient tribes would not regard this as a miracle and undertake such a mammoth task as raising these giant stones in reverance?
Callanish Stones: Disappearance and Resurrection
Studies have shown that the stones’ use as an astronomical calendar probably came to a slow end because of climate change. The site had lost its significance by about 800BC and over time the site was abandoned and peat moss gradually inched over the standing stones until, when the site was excavated in 1857 the peat was nearly six feet deep, completely covering the smaller stones. It wasn’t until the peat was removed that a truly astonishing achievement was brought to light.
Today, the stone circle is an impressive sight and the place has a very special atmosphere. Unlike Stonehenge, it is not roped off from the public. Visitors can wander amongst the stones and feel the ancient rock under their fingers. It is rarely crowded with visitors and it is quite easy to spend time with your own thoughts and impressions.
How to Get to the Callanish Stones
Lewis is the largest island in the Western Isles and the ferry goes to the capital, Stornoway. The Stones are around 15 miles from Stornoway. There is a bus service or you could take a taxi.
Stornaway is greener and more lush than you might expect from these rocky islands. This is thanks mainly to one Lady Matheson who planted 300 acres of trees in the grounds of Lewis Castle about a century ago. Fishing dominates the island’s economy and activity centres around the harbour where old photographs in a shop window show women cleaning fish. Heads wrapped in shawls against the cutting cold, their arms were bare as they gutted the herring, which they called “silver darlings”.
There is a car park and visitor centre at Callanish, sensitively placed so they cannot be seen from the stones.
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