A series of events to mark the passage of the moon with the Calanais Standing Stones
kicks off today.
In contrast to Stonehenge, the famous 5000-year-old complex of 13 tall megaliths
at Calanais is aligned to the orbit of the moon.
Freya Pellie and Jonathan Doyle have taken up the inaugural artists residency at
the Calanais Standing Stones.
The residency - which will be an annual programme - aims to foster new learning and
create original works inspired by site, engaging the public and contributing a lasting
legacy piece for the Calanais Visitor Centre.
The pair’s joint proposal involving an outdoor photography and videography project
stood out due to their combined expertise and innovative approach to celebrating
a spectacular phenomenon at Calanais this summer which occurs only every 19 years
or so where the moon appears to skim across the southern horizon as it rises and
sets at its most extreme positions.
The Calanais Residency was conceived to foster new learning and inspire original
works that reflect the unique heritage and significance of Calanais. Timed to coincide
with the rare major lunar standstill this month.
The phenomenon occurs where the moon rises and sets at its most extreme points on
the horizon every 18.6 year. The residency offers Freya and Jonathan a unique opportunity
to explore the site’s profound relationship to the cosmos.
Freya, a circus artist, and Jonathan, an adventure photographer are a dynamic duo
and their combined expertise in art, science, and the natural world made their proposal
stand out from the 112 applications received for the residency.
Freya and Jonathan are hosting a series of free public workshops and events designed
to connect people with Calanais in new ways.
Jonathan is to lead an astrophotography workshop this evening (Friday) in Breasclete
Community Centre guiding participants in capturing the night sky above the stones,
including tips on photographing the lunar standstill.
On Saturday morning will introduce participants of all ages to aerial and mixed circus
skills arts in circus skills workshop on Saturday.
The residency will culminate in a Light Painting Event on 14 June using LED props,
inviting the community to help create a visual legacy inspired by Calanais.
No activities are taking place between June 11–13 to ensure the public can enjoy
the spectacle of the lunar standstill undisturbed.
Freya has been to the Hebrides a number of times, but it's Jonathan’s first time.
He said: “I’ve wanted to visit the Outer Hebrides for a long time and this is the
furthest North I’ve ever been. I’ve really enjoyed my first 24 hours on Lewis; the
wild space, crashing sea, and eagles soaring above the stones. I’m excited to learn
more about life around Calanais and meet more people here, we’ve certainly had a
warm welcome.”
Freya Pellie is a multidisciplinary performance artist and circus coach with an academic
background in environmental science, internationally renowned for her work in aerial
arts, flag poi, and stilt dance. She is a passionate advocate for social circus,
using performance to make complex environmental topics accessible.
Jonathan Doyle is an award-winning adventure photographer and filmmaker with a PhD
in Space Science; his work, including capturing the Aurora Borealis and Milky Way,
has been featured in National Geographic Traveller UK, illuminating the night sky
for audiences worldwide. Together, they have collaborated since 2023 on “Beyond Aerial,”
a project that brings movement practitioners into wild landscapes to foster a deeper
connection with the world around us.
The major lunar standstill is a rare astronomical event, occurring every 18.6 years,
when the moon’s rising and setting points reach their northernmost and southernmost
extremes. At Calanais, this phenomenon is particularly striking, as the full moon
appears to skim low across the horizon, echoing alignments believed to have been
significant to the site’s Neolithic builders.
Due to ongoing redevelopment, the Calanais Visitor Centre is currently closed, meaning
no facilities (toilets, refreshments) are available at the Stones. Car parking will
also be difficult, as there is only limited parking on the shore road.
Visitors planning to witness the standstill at Calanais I are asked to be mindful
and considerate of others, especially local residents, and to avoid parking near
the Stones.
Events mark extreme moon at ancient landscape
6 June 2025