Standing Stones

The Isle of Lewis has many fine examples of stone circles, standing stones, monoliths and iron age constructions. The most important series of stones is around the area of Callanish.

Callanish Standing Stones is one of the most significant and important megalithic complexes in Europe. The most impressive set of stones is called Callanish 1 and the circle can be seen clearly from the main road (A858)It consists of rows of large pieces of Lewisian gneiss arranged in a cross shape. At the centre of the cross is a monolith and a small chambered cairn. Two other significant stone circles are in the same area (Callanish 2 and 3). The stones site itself is always able to be visited, as it is an 'open' site.