Leading experts are giving talks and hosting tours this week at Calanais. The series
of free events celebrates the Major Lunar Standstill allowing people to engage with
the ancient Calanais Stones and surrounding landscape through expert-led talks, immersive
tours, and creative experiences.
Specialist Talks at Breasclete Hall
- Dr. Alison Sheridan: Delve into Calanais's Neolithic construction and astronomical
orientations. (Thursday, June 12, 8:30 pm, Breasclete Hall)
- Cole Henley: Discuss the Calanais landscape within Scottish prehistory and its inspiration
for stories. (Friday, June 13, 8:30 pm, Breasclete Hall)
- Stephanie Blankshein: Shares her work on how digital technology has been used to
make the wider landscape more accessible through user-friendly interpretation. (On-line
talk, Wednesday, June 18, 7:30pm)
- Plus next week, local Archaeologist, Ian McHardy: Talks on the importance of the
Solstice at Calanais from both archaeological and other perspectives. (Friday, June
20, 7:30pm, Breasclete Hall)
Expert Tours of Calanais II/III
- Sue Clutterbuck & Peter Vallance: Share deep archaeological and mythological knowledge.
(Wednesday, June 11, 11:30 am & 2 pm)
- Archaeologist Cole Henley: Guide insights into history, construction, and landscape
significance. (Friday, June 13, 2 pm)
Creative Events
- Make a Zine Workshop with Cole Henley: Explore visual storytelling inspired by the
lunistice. (Thursday, June 13, Breasclete Hall)
- Creative Light Painting Event with Freya Pellie & Jonathan Doyle: Be part of a unique
LED light show bringing the lunar standstill to life. (Saturday, June 14, 8 pm at
Calanais I)
Bonnet Laird’s Walks
- ·Explore the natural landscape on a guided journey from Carloway to Calanais. (Tuesday,
June 10, 9:30 am, meeting at Calanais II/III. Additional dates: June 17, 24.)
All events are free, thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. A second week
of engaging events around the Summer Solstice (June 21) will follow.
Visitors to the standing stones should note that while the Calanais Visitor Centre
is closed for redevelopment, there are no facilities (toilets, refreshments, or coach
parking) at the site. Car parking is very limited; visitors are encouraged to park
on the shore road and enjoy the walk to the site. A new, improved visitor centre
with much improved facilities will reopen in 2026.
Specialist talks, tours and events at Calanais
10 June 2025
