Callanish Stone Circle

Today's the day .................... to stand in a circle

Even on a dull wet day, the standing stones at Callanish in the northwest of Lewis are a pretty impressive sight.

They are an extraordinary testament to the skills and determination of the people who lived there over 4000 years ago.  The stones were probably moved with rollers, wooden frames and brute strength.  It required a tremendous investment of time and effort.  

During the Neolithic period (4000 - 2500BC) many communities across north-eastern Europe constructed large monuments of earth and stone.  Perhaps the building gave people a common identity and purpose - perhaps they worshipped here.  Elsewhere the builders clearly orientated monuments according to astronomical events like the midwinter sunrise and sunset.  

But no one really knows if that's the case here . . . . . . . . .