Local tales give these ancient stones a life of their own, while their true purpose remains uncertain.
What Are the Callanish Stones?
The Callanish Stones are a mysterious arrangement of standing stones located in the village of Callanish on the Isle of Lewis, in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.
Calanais is the Gaelic name, while Callanish is the familiar English form. The stories of giants turned to stone offer a folkloric explanation for the human-like shapes of the monuments.
The circle surrounds a central monolith about 4.8 metres tall. The stones predate the main stone circle at Stonehenge, with its own supernatural stories, rather than every phase of that much-altered monument.
History and Folklore of the Callanish Stones
Historic Environment Scotland dates the standing stones to between 2900 and 2600 BC. Ritual activity may have continued here for around 2,000 years.
Archaeological research, including excavations in the early 1980s by Patrick Ashmore, suggests that the site may have served as an astronomical observatory.
The possible relationship between the stones and the movements of the moon is one of the site’s enduring mysteries. Their purpose remains a matter of interpretation rather than a settled fact.
The Callanish Stones are steeped in folklore and local legends. One popular tale suggests that they are giants who were turned to stone for refusing to convert to Christianity.
Another legend speaks of the “Shining One”, an entity that is said to walk the length of the stone avenue on midsummer mornings.
These myths add a layer of mystique to the site, making it a popular attraction, especially during the Summer Solstice.
Calanais belongs to a wider prehistoric landscape, with at least 11 smaller stone circles nearby, according to Historic Environment Scotland.
Peat gradually covered the site between about 1000 and 500 BC. Peat cutting in 1857 exposed the stones’ full height again.
The stone circle draws thousands of tourists every year, and ongoing efforts are in place to preserve the site and prevent erosion from foot traffic.
Today, the Callanish Stones continue to be a subject of both scientific research and mystical speculation. The site is carefully managed to balance the needs of tourism and preservation.
In the lunar interpretation described by Historic Environment Scotland, the moon appears especially low over the southern hills during a cycle of about 18.6 years. This offers a possible explanation for the monument’s setting, without proving why its builders chose it.
5 Interesting Facts About Callanish Stones
- Pixar staff visited The Callanish Standing Stones during their research for the animation film Brave 2012.
- The 5,000-year-old stones were featured in the 2012 Olympic torch relay.
- The Outlander TV series based its fictional stone circle, near Culloden called Craigh na Dun, on the Callanish stones.
- Bank of Scotland credit cards have included the image of Calanais Stone Circle.
- The stones have appeared in music videos, songs and album covers, from artists including Ultravox, Julian Cope and The Waterboys.
How to Get to Callanish/Calanais
Getting to Callanish is part of the adventure. The Isle of Lewis is accessible by ferry from Ullapool on the Scottish mainland, or by air, landing at Stornoway Airport.
Calanais lies about 12 miles west of Stornoway. Check current bus timetables when planning a visit, as rural services may limit your return options.
The address is Calanais, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9DY. Check the official Calanais visitor information for current admission, opening times and booking arrangements.
Access to the monument is through the visitor centre; the ground around the stones can be uneven and wet. Read Historic Environment Scotland’s access information before travelling.
For another Scottish stone circle steeped in mystery, explore the Ring of Brodgar in Orkney.
