The Standing Stones of Calanais, erected c. 2900 BC., are an interesting and imposing site. For thousands of years people have been drawn to this cruciform stone monument. Suggestions and myths as to their origin include: a temple, funerary complex, astronomical observatory, men turned to stone, the site of Druid sacrificial ceremonies…
Why did a group of prehistoric people build this monument and why choose the location of Calanais? Perhaps the unique landscape of the Lochs hills, forged over a millenia, can offer us an insight into the purpose and design for the Standing Stones of Calanais.
The Cailleach na Mointeach (Old woman of the Moors), a shapely range of hills to the south east of Calanais in the Lochs district, plays a significant visual role during the Major Lunar Standstill, an event that takes place once every 18.6 years. An event that is framed by the Calanais Standing Stones.
The Pairc mountain ridge, known collectively as Cailleach na Mointeach (Old Woman of the Moors), and affectionately as The Sleeping Beauty, links the ridge lines of Sidhean an Airgid, ‘Guaineamol’ and Mor Mhonadh.
In Scottish and Irish mythology, the Cailleach is a figure of significant importance; an ancient pre-Christian goddess who formed the land, embodied the spirit of winter and controlled the weather. Sometimes she is depicted as kind, sometimes cruel. Many Scottish place names are thought to be inspired by her mythology.
It is important to note that the naming of the hills dates to around the Iron Age. However, the discovery of a cairn, located on an unnamed peak within the Cailleach range of hills, which bears resemblance to the one found at Calanais, further links these two sites to the Neolithic Period.
A major lunar standstill occurs when the Moon reaches its farthest north and south positions on the horizon, resulting in a noticeable shift in its apparent rise and set points. This phenomenon happens roughly every 18.6 years.
Initially it was believed the stones were built to correspond to the winter solstice; an event connected with the sun, not the moon. Some have suggested the design was changed, c. 2500 BC, to deliberately align with this remarkable lunar event.
The Major Lunar Standstill began in 2024 and concluded in 2025, with various peaks throughout the year. It can be appreciated from the northern end of the Avenue at Calanais. The moon will rise from between the knees of the Cailleach, skim her body before disappearing, only to reappear in the Harris hills, illuminating the centre circle at Calanais. A celestial representation of birth, life, death and rebirth.
Many megaliths in Scotland align with certain solar or lunar events. Recent research has demonstrated a link between the stones at Calanais and certain celestial movements, such as the lunar standstill.
The rarity of this event suggests our neolithic ancestors had sophisticated knowledge of the moon’s cycles. For an agricultural community, this would have had seasonal and practical value.
The Cailleach plays a pivotal role in the moon’s journey across the sky, suggesting that the purpose of building the site at Calanais was not simply spiritual or practical, but both.