Mystery in Stone

IMG_Callanish standing stones Scotland .JPG
We travelled as far North and as far West as you can in Britain, and we found the oldest mystery cast in stone. I have so much to tell and share, but for now this is a tiny taste of the delights we have been surrounded by for the last week. This is an evening shot of the beautiful and enigmatic Callanish stones, which sit on the west of the Isle of Lewis. Built 500 years before Stonehenge, they dwarf the more famous site in size, presence and setting. I hope you enjoy the peep.

About greenmackenzie

Hi, I'm Seonaid, and I share my home on the shores of Loch Ness deep in the Scottish Highlands with my husband, my son and a couple of dogs. I love art which is here now and gone tomorrow...like food and nature...but also have a passion for vintage and the ancient past! Nature is my favourite muse, with her wild ever shifting seasons. I have been using and teaching mindfulness and relaxation for over 12 years, and have yet to become any sort of expert :-) I'm a Psychotherapist and Cancer Support Specialist in Maggies Highlands
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48 Responses to Mystery in Stone

  1. becca givens says:

    On my bucket list is to see the Standing Stones! Soooo many stories to share!!

  2. Pingback: My most precious visit « Leya

  3. Ese' s Voice says:

    Amazing shot, Seonaid! And looks like such a beautiful and mysterious place…

  4. ladyfi says:

    Wow – such a gorgeous shot!

  5. Or do you go by Seonaid? 🙂

  6. Gorgeous, moving photo Mackenzie…definitely intrigued to see so much more! 🙂

  7. icelandpenny says:

    I’ve visited Orkney, I didn’t know about Callanish. I look forward to your further photos and observations in future posts.

  8. I love how you captured the sun through the stones

  9. LB says:

    Oh I can’t wait for the next post about this!
    Those shadows are incredible, as are, of course, the structures themselves.

  10. Rachael Charmley says:

    Lovely. Thank you. One day I shall get there. 🙂

  11. Lucid Gypsy says:

    I’ve heard of them and it’s great that not too many people get there, it would be dreadful if it was turned into the sort of carnival Stonehenge has become.

    • I know Gilly, it’s great because it’s quite…..we met a few visitors, but mostly had it to ourselves! I think because it’s so far north and west, and of course requires at least one ferry ride across the Minch, that it will never become like Stonehenge. You can’t really just pop over for a quick visit…..or at least I hope so!
      I was worried that it might be quite crowded in August…..

  12. suej says:

    Great image, you had lovely light. The one opportunity I had to visit Callanish it rained. Flat light and rain, not what I was after!

    • We were very lucky with the light Sue, but I had hoped to take some astro shots of the Milky Way flowing over the stones…..it was not to be….the clouds closed over each night!

  13. Oh, how wonderful to see these magical ancient stones for yourself, Seonaid! I’ve not heard of the Callanish Stones before. Thanks for showing me. 🙂

    • There is something so wonderful about standing among such old stones, placed here by our ancestors. Running your fingers over their rough textured faces….
      I’m so happy to have introduced you to Callanish.

  14. gwynnrogers says:

    I love learning about the history and the beauty of your area. I missed Stonehenge too when I was over there. Thank you for the glimpse of the Callanish stones. I’ll have to Google them too. You are inspiring!

  15. Suzanne says:

    Wow – I had no idea these stones existed. Thanks so much for bringing knowledge of them to us. Your photo brings through a sense that they are being activated now. I so look forward to reading your future posts about your experiences here. Very ancient knowledge encoded here I think.

    • It’s thought that the Greeks knew of this sight….they spoke of a circular temple to the gods of the North wind, where every 18 years the shining one stepped down to earth. It’s a real beauty 🙂

      • Suzanne says:

        The shining one! – now I’m really intrigued. From the look of your photo it looks like you arrived around the same time as that shining one was stepping down to earth again. 🙂 I am so looking forward to hearing of your experiences here – or as much as you feel like sharing

  16. Amy says:

    You captured the majesty of the ancient stones. Great photo, Seonaid.

  17. Can’t wait for more … hurry, hurry! D

  18. Colline says:

    I have – and I want to see more pictures 🙂

  19. Cnawan Fahey says:

    Glorious.

  20. risinghawk says:

    Exquisite! I just want to be sitting there, alone, watching the sun set and feeling the night and those stones surrounding me. The stories they could tell 🙂 Peace . . .

  21. vastlycurious.com says:

    Amazing Photo!

  22. Uncle Tree says:

    A monumental scene! Older than Stonehenge? No kidding?
    Then this place is a well-kept secret. Nice shot!
    Can’t wait to hear and see and imagine.

    • It’s a wonderful sight, and much larger than Stonehenge……also far less crowded. We had it almost to ourselves most of the time.
      It seems as though the technology for building stone circles might have begun here, and slowly migrated South. 500years of advances and you get more precise stones and fitted sockets like Stonehenge, but I love the wrinkly characters of these old stones!

  23. Leya says:

    This will be a treat – as usual! Great evening shot!

  24. kelzbelzphotography says:

    Stunning photo they look so powerful standing there

  25. Sue Vincent says:

    Callanish has been on my list for decades… I look forward to seeing the rest and reading from someone who feels the land in such a similar way, Seonaid.

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