Calanais Standing Stones and Visitor Centre celebrates Scottish Archaeology Month 2026
Calanais Standing Stones and Visitor Centre celebrates Scottish Archaeology Month with a programme of events bringing archaeology, stories and community together
This September, the Calanais Standing Stones and Visitor Centre will celebrate Scottish Archaeology Month with a varied programme of events and activities exploring the archaeology, history, stories and living heritage of one of Scotland’s most remarkable prehistoric landscapes.
Taking place every September, Scottish Archaeology Month is the biggest annual celebration of Scottish heritage, history and archaeology.
At Calanais, the programme will bring together local communities, schools, visitors and archaeology enthusiasts, offering a range of ways to discover and engage with the Stones.
Throughout the month, the Visitor Centre will host events exploring the archaeology and history of Calanais, as well as the folklore, stories, memories and cultural connections associated with the site.
The programme will include talks, storytelling, archaeological activities and guided experiences, giving people the opportunity to learn more about the discoveries that have shaped our understanding of Calanais and the wider Outer Hebrides.
There will also be opportunities to hear directly from people with a personal and professional connection to the landscape. Among the programme is an event with Gerald Ponting, who will share stories and discoveries from his book, Archaeological Adventures in the Outer Hebrides, followed by a walk to the Stones to explore the locations associated with discoveries including Stone 33A and the tip of Stone 19.
Community engagement is an important part of the celebrations. The Calanais team will visit Bethesda Care Home to deliver a workshop for residents, bringing Calanais to people who may not be able to visit the Stones themselves. The session will provide an opportunity to explore the monument through photographs, stories and conversation, while also hearing residents’ own memories and stories of Calanais.
Calanais will also welcome a range of local school groups, giving children the opportunity to discover the archaeology and history of a site that has been part of their local landscape for thousands of years.
The programme reflects the many different ways people connect with Calanais. From archaeological research and ancient discoveries to local memories, Gaelic culture, storytelling and education, the events aim to celebrate both the archaeological significance of the Stones and their continuing importance to the community today.
Claire Purdy, General Manager said:
“Scottish Archaeology Month gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Calanais in all its different dimensions. We want people to come and discover the archaeology, but also to share stories, memories and experiences of this very special landscape. Our programme is about making those connections – between the past and present, the Stones and the community, and archaeology and everyday life.”
Whether visitors are discovering Calanais for the first time or have known the Stones all their lives, Scottish Archaeology Month offers an opportunity to see this extraordinary landscape from a new perspective.
The programme of events at the Calanais Standing Stones and Visitor Centre can be found at – https://calanais.org/whats-on/
These events are run as part of the Calanais heritage programme, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
