Standing Stones in Scotland: Mysterious Megalithic Monuments
Scotland is home to many awe-inspiring ancient stone structures known as standing stones. Scattered across the landscapes of the Highlands and islands, these mysterious prehistoric monuments have captured people's imaginations for centuries.
Their origins and purposes remain a complete mystery (although many theories abide) which is partly what draws so many people to them, that and the sense of awe that fills you standing beneath their shadow.
This article will provide an overview of some of the most magnificent and significant standing stones sites in Scotland. Key sites we'll cover include:
The Standing Stones of Stenness
The Ring of Brodgar
Clava Cairns
Nether Largie Standing Stones
Callanish Standing Stones
Whether you're a history buff, archaeology enthusiast, or just love unraveling ancient mysteries, read on to learn about the captivating standing stones of Scotland and how you might plan a trip to see them in person!
Callanish Standing Stones
The Callanish Standing Stones are located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland and are some of the most impressive Scotland has to offer. These standing stones are believed to have been erected between 2900 BC and 2600 BC, making them over 4,000 years old!
The Callanish Stones consist of a central stone circle approximately 13 meters in diameter, surrounded by additional stone rows and avenues that radiate outward. In total, there are over 40 stones, with some as tall as 5 meters. The tallest stones stand on the exterior, getting progressively smaller towards the interior of the circle. Many of the stones are intricately carved with various geometric designs and patterns.
The Callanish Stones are thought to have served as a focal point for ritual activity during the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. Their purpose is still a mystery, but they clearly held great significance for the ancient people who erected them. The surrounding landscape is rugged yet beautiful, and it is easy to understand why this site was chosen. At the summer solstice, the rising sun shines directly along the main avenue, suggesting the site's builders had astronomical knowledge and a reason for placing the stones as such.
Today, the Callanish Standing Stones remain one of the most spectacular and best-preserved prehistoric sites in Scotland. They offer visitors a glimpse into the distant past and the impressive achievements of Neolithic builders. The site attracts thousands of visitors each year who are drawn by the age, beauty, and mystery of these ancient stones.
For a tour of these stones and the islands of Lewis & Harris themselves, consider taking our 5-day Lewis & Harris Tour. You can find the full itinerary and information here.
Nether Largie Standing Stones
The Nether Largie Standing Stones are found within Kilmartin Glen, an area to the west of Glasgow full of ancient historical sites such as this one.
The Nether Largie site contains four large standing stones arranged in a line running north-east to south-west. The tallest stone reaches over 2.2 meters in height. The stones stand erect, though slightly tilted, and have a rough, irregular shape. They are thought to have been quarried locally.
Based on the style and placement of the stones, Nether Largie is believed to date back to the Bronze Age, around 2000 BC. The purpose and meaning behind the standing stones are uncertain, though they may have served as ritual sites or tribal boundary markers.
Nether Largie is a remarkable example of Scotland's ancient archaeology. Though not as grand in scale as other stone circles, the site retains an aura of mystery. The stones overlook the sea in a dramatic coastal setting, giving insight into the landscapes chosen by Scotland's early inhabitants.
For those passionate about prehistoric sites, The Nether Largie Standing Stones offers a glimpse into the distant past but also the entire area of Kilmartin Glen is an ancient historical wonder! For those looking for a day tour of these magnificent sites, including a visit to a few beautiful local castles, check out our Standing Stones day tour from Glasgow. Check out the itinerary and more info here.
Clava Cairns
The Clava Cairns are located near Inverness and right next to the Culloden Battlefield Site. Dating back over 4000 years as well, they are a remarkable example of Bronze Age ceremonial sites. The cairns were likely used as burial sites, with each stone encircling a central burial chamber.
There are three well-preserved cairns within the site, each constructed with stones and enclosed within a stone circle. Within the stone circles stand large pillar stones, some over 2 meters tall, which form part of the central burial chambers. You can even enter into the central burial cairn area and ponder the extent the builders must have gone to create such structures.
The Clava Cairns are architecturally unique and signify the cultural practices of Neolithic and Bronze Age Scotland. Their circular enclosure, burial chambers, and inner stone settings distinguish them from other cairn sites across Britain and Ireland. The cairns align with important astronomical events like the winter solstice, demonstrating the advanced astronomic and engineering knowledge of their builders - a common theme we see throughout the world. Given the effort required to construct these elaborate tombs, the site likely held ritual significance for its creators.
Today, visitors can explore the atmospheric ruins and admire the towering stones against the backdrop of the Highland hills. As a remarkable window into Scotland's distant past, Clava Cairns is a must-see for anyone interested in prehistoric sites and is situated right next to another site of historical significance, albeit from an earlier time period, Culloden Battlefield.
Discover the significance of the fall of the Jacobites in Scotland while discovering ancient sites like the Clava cairns on an epic 5-day tour to Orkney - where ancient history is around every corner!
Ring of Brodgar
The Ring of Brodgar is a Neolithic henge and stone circle located on the Mainland, the largest island in Orkney, Scotland. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.
The Ring of Brodgar is located between the Lochs of Stenness and Harray, approximately 6 miles northwest of Kirkwall. It originally consisted of 60 stones forming a circle 104 meters in diameter, although only 27 remain standing today. The tallest stones are over 4 meters in height and are incredible to witness in person.
The Ring of Brodgar was constructed around 2500-2000 BCE in the Late Neolithic period. And yes, you guessed it, it was likely an important ceremonial site for ritual gatherings and astronomical observations for the early farming communities in Orkney. The sheer scale and work involved in creating the Ring of Brodgar reveals the symbolic and cultural importance these massive stone circles held.
The Ring of Brodgar is architecturally unique from other henges in Neolithic Britain. The stones are set within a circular ditch up to 3 meters deep and 10 meters wide, with a 7-meter-wide causeway to the northwest. The stone circle itself has a diameter of approx. 104 meters, making it the third largest stone circle in Britain after Avebury and Stanton Drew.
Today the Ring of Brodgar stands as one of the most impressive and well-preserved prehistoric stone circles in Britain. Exploring the Ring of Brodgar, like all the other standing stone sites in Scotland, gives you this sense of awe of the time that has passed and the effort that went into erecting such structures.
Standing Stones of Stenes
The Standing Stones of Stenness are on the mainland of the Orkney Islands in Scotland. These striking monoliths date back to around 3100 BC, making them some of the oldest standing stones in the British Isles.
The Stones of Stenness originally consisted of 12 stones arranged in a circle approximately 30 meters in diameter, surrounded by a ditch and bank. Today only 4 of the stones remain standing, the tallest towering at over 5 meters high. The imposing stones are made of striking red sandstone, a unique material not found elsewhere on the Orkney Islands.
The Standing Stones of Stenness represent one of the most remarkable and important prehistoric ritual sites in Scotland. The circle was positioned near the banks of Loch of Stenness, a freshwater loch that Neolithic communities considered sacred.
The stones were oriented to enhance the dramatic play of light during the solstices, reflecting their ritual significance. It's believed the Stones of Stenness served as a gathering place for ceremonial activities, potentially even sacrifices and assemblies during the third millennium BC.
As one of the oldest stone circles in Britain, this atmospheric site continues to intrigue visitors today.
The beauty of a visit to the Standing Stones of Steness is the bonus of all the other neolithic sites found on Orkney; Skara Brae (a well-preserved settlement over 5,000 years old), The Ring of Brodgar (just down the road), Maeshowe (a burial cairn containing viking graffiti) and many other cairns and incredibly interesting sites to visit.
That’s really why we created a 5-day trip up through the highlands to Orkney. It’s a trip that will take you back through time to the past hundreds of years to sites older than the pyramids! Check out the itinerary for yourself here.
Significance of Standing Stones
The standing stones scattered across Scotland provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of ancient peoples. While their original purposes remain in mystery, they clearly held great cultural and historical significance.
Archaeological evidence indicates that many of the standing stone sites were oriented around astronomical events, such as solstices and equinoxes. The stones were aligned to capture the first rays of sunlight on special days of the year, suggesting they were used as calendars to mark important agricultural events and festivals. For instance, at Callinish, the main avenue is oriented towards the rising midsummer sun & there are many burial cairns aligned so that the Winter Solstice sun gleams through the entrance tunnel.
The standing stones also provide tantalizing clues into the spiritual beliefs of their Neolithic builders. Their remote locations and astronomical alignments imply they may have been used for rituals, ancestor worship, or as sacred burial grounds. The regular spacing and ring-like patterns of stones suggest they were invested with magical powers.
While we can only speculate on their original significance, the standing stones undoubtedly represented sacred places for early societies in Scotland. Their astronomical knowledge and engineering skills were remarkable for the time. The enduring mystery surrounding the standing stones is part of what makes them so evocative today - well worth a visit in person!
Visiting the Standing Stones
Scotland's standing stones are amazing historical sites to visit. Here are some practical tips to make the most of your trip:
Many of the sites have free entry and are open all hours. However, parking facilities may be limited at peak times. Arrive early in the day if possible.
Standing stones are spread across Scotland, so consider the journey time between sites if you want to visit multiple in one day. Or stay locally overnight.
The weather can be unpredictable, so bring waterproofs and sturdy footwear. The stones are exposed, with no shelter.
Some stones have protective fences but others can be walked right up to. Take care not to damage these ancient monuments.
For accessibility, there are paved paths at sites like Callanish. Others require rougher walking over grass and uneven ground. Evaluate your own needs.
Weekdays tend to be quieter. Summer brings more crowds, while winter provides solitude but shorter daylight hours for your visit, just keep that in mind when deciding when to visit.
A knowledgeable local guide can bring these historic sites to life with stories, information and enthusiasm for all things Scotland. If you’re looking for a guide, consider taking one of our award-winning tours and we’ll make sure you have the time of your life! More multi-tour options here.
Guided Scotland Tours
Scotland is home to some of the most mysterious and fascinating ancient standing stone sites in Europe. If you want to visit these intriguing locations and learn about their history from knowledgeable guides, joining a guided tour is the perfect way to maximise your experience.
We offer a variety of guided tours that allow you to discover Scotland's ancient standing stones in depth:
5-Day Lewis & Harris Tour: Explore the captivating landscapes of the Isle of Lewis & Harris, combined with the incredible Highlands of Scotland on our 5-Day adventure tour.
5-Day Orkney Tour: Take short hikes in the Highlands of Scotland & visit the 5000-year-old site of Skara Brae amongst many other ancient and neolithic sites.
Kilmartin Glen/Standing Stones Day Tour: Travel from Glasgow in a single day to see some epic ancient sites as well as both regal castles and epic ruins.
Join us for an unforgettable adventure exploring Scotland's ancient standing stones. Our friendly guides will deepen your understanding of these mystical sites and make your visit truly memorable.
By visiting these sites yourself and walking among the weathered stones, you can get a sense of the rich history contained within these landscapes. As the wind whispers around the tall standing stones, it's easy to imagine what life was like for our ancestors millennia ago. Scotland's standing stones offer a magical window into the past that continues to fascinate modern visitors.
Whether you're interested in history, archaeology, astronomy, or simply being immersed in an ancient site, the standing stones of Scotland are ideal destinations. Guided tours make it easy to experience these captivating locations across Scotland. As you explore the enduring mysteries of the standing stones, the journey to the past has just begun.
