The Calanais Standing Stones consist of a stone circle of thirteen stones with a monolith roughly in the middle. Five rows of standing stones connect to this circle. Two long rows of stones run almost parallel to each other from the stone circle to the north-northeast, forming an avenue of sorts. Furthermore, shorter rows of stones run from the stone circle to the west-southwest, south and east-northeast. The stones are all of the same rock, namely gneiss quarried on Lewis. In the centre is a grave to the east of the central stone.
According to tradition, the Calanais Standing Stones are said to be petrified giants who refused to convert to Christianity. Another story from the 17th century talks about the foul men, in Scottish Gaelic fir bhreige, who turned to stone. The Vikings avoided this place because they saw the stones as trolls. The Standing Stones are also linked to a fertility cult.
Photographer who specializes in birds, mammals, landscapes, professional bike racing and portraits. I preferably use my Nikon cameras D850 en D750... Read more…