Ancient standing stones in Scotland you can visit on a summer solstice day trip
Interest in Scotland's standing stones has surged, with VisitScotland updating its guide to help visitors experience the solstice at these ancient sites
Despite Scotland's soggy start to summer, midsummer is nearly here, and with it, a burst of interest in the country's ancient standing stones. While June has felt more like autumn than high summer, by some traditional measures we're already approaching the halfway point of the season.
This year, midsummer falls on Tuesday, June 24, just days after the summer solstice, which will occur at precisely 3.42am on Saturday, June 21. Though it may come as a surprise to rain-weary Scots, the longest day of the year is now just around the corner.
The solstice has been celebrated for millennia as a spiritual moment, marking abundance, fertility and a sacred connection to the sun. Across Britain, stone circles remain as lasting testaments to how profoundly our ancestors revered this time of year.
In recent weeks, online searches for 'summer solstice' have soared by 136 per cent, while searches for 'standing stones in Scotland' have climbed 101 per cent over the past quarter. Responding to this growing fascination, VisitScotland has refreshed its travel guide to the country's most atmospheric stone circles, inviting travellers to experience the solstice in places that feel far from the usual tourist trail.
While Stonehenge in England still draws thousands of druids and onlookers, Scotland's ancient stones offer a quieter, often more dramatic setting. With landscapes ranging from windswept moorlands to rugged island coastlines, these sites offer a deeply evocative way to mark the turning of the seasons.
Kilmartin Glen, Argyll and Bute
About 30 miles south of Oban, Kilmartin Glen is one of Scotland's richest prehistoric landscapes, with over 350 ancient monuments. Among them are the Nether Largie Standing Stones and the Temple Wood Stone Circle.
The Nether Largie Stones, believed to be over 5,000 years old, are thought to align with key celestial events such as the midsummer sunrise. Set in rolling green hills, they create a striking and meaningful solstice backdrop.
Nearby, the Temple Wood Circle, made up of 13 standing stones, is one of the best-preserved in the region. Archaeological evidence shows the area was sacred as far back as 3000BC.
Machrie Moor, Isle of Arran
Situated on the west coast of Arran, Machrie Moor's six unique stone circles were recently included in a newly designated UNESCO Global Geopark. Some of the tallest stones rise over four metres, creating a powerful silhouette against the open sky.
Visitors reach the site via a mile-long moorland path, an approach that only adds to the solitude and wonder of the location.
Sueno's Stone, Moray
At nearly seven metres tall, Sueno's Stone is Scotland's tallest and most intricately carved Pictish monument. Located in Forres, Moray, it dates to the late 9th or early 10th century and likely served as a visible landmark for miles.
It remains in its original spot and is now protected by a glass enclosure, open to visitors year-round.
Clava Cairns, near Inverness
A short drive from Inverness, Clava Cairns is a hauntingly beautiful Bronze Age cemetery site with cairns, kerb stones and standing stones set in ancient woodland. These sacred monuments, some over 4,000 years old, are believed to align with solstice events.
The site has also achieved pop culture fame, Outlander fans will recognise it as the inspiration for Craigh na Dun, where Claire's time-travelling journey begins. 'Follow in the footsteps of Claire and explore this historic location shrouded in mystery,' VisitScotland suggests.
Ring of Brodgar, Orkney
The mighty Ring of Brodgar is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site and originally contained around 60 stones, 27 remain standing today. Perched between the lochs of Stenness and Harray, the site offers visitors a glimpse into Neolithic life and mythology.
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Standing Stones of Stenness, Orkney
Just a short walk from Brodgar, the Standing Stones of Stenness date back over 5,000 years and may be the oldest henge monument in the British Isles. With only four stones still standing, the site retains a powerful energy and has inspired myths from Norse times through to the modern day.
Calanais Standing Stones, Isle of Lewis
Known as the 'Stonehenge of the North', the Calanais Stones predate Stonehenge and are thought to be between 3,000 and 5,000 years old. In local legend, the stones were called 'Na Fir Bhrèige' or 'the false men.' Their original purpose remains a mystery, though many believe they formed an ancient observatory or ritual site.
Calanais has also been immortalised in fiction, inspiring the mystical stones seen in both Brave and Outlander. Note - the visitor centre is currently closed for redevelopment and will reopen in 2026, so travellers should prepare accordingly as there are no facilities or parking in place.
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