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.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scottish city crowned 'best for outdoors' this summer and it's not Edinburgh or Glasgow
It was described as the "ultimate launch pad" for adventure. A Scottish city has been named as the "best for outdoors" ahead of summer. It was praised as the "ultimate launch pad" for outdoor activities. As summer progresses, more and more Scots will be looking to get out and make the most of the warmer temperatures. A new UK travel guide from LNER has revealed the top cities across Scotland and England for a range of activities. According to the experts, the top destination in Scotland for outdoors is Inverness. The largest city and cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, it offers easy access to many spectacular walks and beauty spots. LNER singled out Inverness for its close proximity to Loch Ness. The second-biggest loch in Scotland by surface area after Loch Lomond, there is no shortage of opportunities to head out on a scenic hike around the edge of the loch and take in magnificent views out over its surface. Loch Ness is also world-famous for being the supposed home of the Loch Ness Monster. The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit delves deeper into the mystery of the mythical beast, as well as the history of the loch itself. LNER praised Inverness for its easy access to various water-based activities. Loch Ness offers canoeing, kayaking, wild swimming, fishing, and more, while boat tours out on the loch can be booked as well. There is also an abundance of beaches in the region, perfect for soaking up some sun. Among these are Loch Ness Beach and Lochend Beach. Meanwhile, the experts singled out Inverness for its wildlife. Whether you are interested in marine animals, birds, or forest creatures, be sure to keep an eye out for rare species while out and about in the region. The Merkinch Local Nature Reserve is situated in the South Kessock area of Inverness, and is the 50th local nature reserve in Scotland. It is comprised of various tidal pools, marshes, and more where visitors can see animals such as deer, owls, weasels, herons, and cormorants. Elsewhere, Dolphin Spirit Inverness hosts two-hour boat trips out into the Moray Firth to look for dolphins. Visitors will journey to Chanonry Point, which is renowned for its dolphin-spotting opportunities. There are many other outdoor activities available in and near Inverness, including mountain biking, hill walking, fishing, and golf. According to the Visit Inverness Loch Ness website, you can even meet and walk with alpacas at destinations such as Loch Ness Alpacas and Invercannich Farm. LNER wrote: "Set between dramatic glens and the legendary Loch Ness, Inverness is a natural choice for outdoor enthusiasts. With easy access to water-based activities, hiking trails, wildlife, and some of Scotland's most scenic landscapes, it's the ultimate launch pad for Highland adventure." Meanwhile, the best destination for outdoor enthusiasts in England was named as York. The experts praised the English city for its high number of walking trails and nature-based activities. As previously reported by the Daily Record, LNER named Edinburgh as the best city in Scotland for foodies. The experts described the city as a "dream for food lovers". More information and the full "UK destination guide" can be found on the LNER website.
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Little-known Spanish holiday rules that could see you hit with £2500 fine
Multiple cities across Spain are expected to be brought to a standstill during MORE planned protests this month HOL NO Little-known Spanish holiday rules that could see you hit with £2500 fine IT'S that time of year again where Scots tourists flock to Spain and its islands to party or relax during some time off in the summer. With thousands of miles of stunning coastline, a warm climate and world-class food and drink, it's easy to see why the country is a top visitor destination. Advertisement 7 Areas of Spain have brought in some new rules which holidaymakers must follow Credit: Getty 7 Scots are set to flock to the sunshine hotspot this summer Credit: Reuters 7 Some parts of Spain have become a party spot for a lot of tourists Credit: Alamy 7 Brits have been a particular target of the protests in the past Credit: AP But tensions continue to rise between locals and holidaymakers over rowdy behaviour and disturbances partly caused by overtourism. Advertisement Thousands of anti-tourism protesters flooded the streets of Spain again in April. Brits have been a particular target of the protests in the past, as they are amongst the most loyal visitors to sunny spots like Majorca and Malaga. Protesters were even urged to superglue the locks of holiday rentals to render them unusable and cause a nuisance. These were the first mass anti-tourist protests of the year, following on from a string of furious demonstrations last summer. Huge crowds across 40 different Spanish cities took to the streets to send a clear message that holidaymakers are not wanted. Advertisement And the Spanish government are continuing to clamp down on the issues raised by locals. Locals claiming their homes have been turned into playgrounds for tourists have put pressure on the government to set strict rules in place that put a stop to unruly tourist behaviour. New regulations could land rule breakers whopping fines of up to £2,500. Tourists will now need to be careful about where and how they drink in certain hotspots. Thousands of anti-tourist protesters flood Spanish hols hotspots & call on mob to super glue holiday rental locks Public drinking in Llucmajor, Palma, and Magaluf, along with Sant Antoni in Ibiza, is banned - unless it takes place in clearly designated areas approved by authorities. Advertisement The new rule also extends out to sea covering party boats within one nautical mile of the towns. Holidaymakers who don't follow the rules could be hit with a hefty fine starting from £450 for minor offences and up to £2,500. Those opting for a relaxing stay at an all-inclusive resort have been warned that alcohol rules apply there as well. All-inclusive guests are limited to a strict limit of six drinks a day - three in the day and three in the evening. Alcohol cannot be bought in shops from 9.30pm to 8am - but bars and clubs can continue selling. Advertisement Anti-tourist measures sweeping hotspots A WAVE of anti-tourist measures are being implemented across Europe to curb mass tourism in popular holiday hotspots. Overcrowding has become the main problem in many sunny destinations, with authorities trying to find a solution to keep tourists and locals happy. Officials have attempted to reduce the impact of holidaymakers by implementing additional taxes on tourists, or banning new hotels. Earlier this year Venice became the first city in the world to charge an entry fee for holidaymakers after it started charging day-trippers €5 (£4.30) if visiting the historical Italian centre. It was followed by an area in Barcelona which resorted to removing a well-used bus route from Apple and Google Maps to stop crowds of tourists from using the bus. Meanwhile, San Sebastián in the north of Spain, limited the maximum number of people on guided visits to 25 to avoid congestion, noise, nuisance and overcrowding. The city has already banned the construction of new hotels. The Spanish government has allowed restaurants to charge customers more for sitting in the shade in Andalucia. Benidorm has introduced time restrictions, as swimming in the sea between midnight and 7am could cost a whopping £1,000. The Canary Islands are also considering adopting measures to regulate the number of visitors - and charge tourists a daily tax. Greece has already enforced a tourist tax during the high season (from March to October) with visitors expected to pay from €1 (£0.86) to €4 (£3.45) per night, depending on the booked accommodation. Officials in Santiago de Compostela in Galicia want to introduce a fee for travellers to remind people to be courteous during their trips. The four main spots affected by these restrictions are Ibiza, and Magaluf, Playa de Palma and El Arenal in Majorca. But there are some locations the rule isn't in place. Here's where you can visit without the six drink restriction: Alcudia, Majorca Cala D'Or, Majorca Cala Bona, Majorca Cala Millor, Majorca Santa Eulalia, Ibiza Es Cana, Ibiza Playa Den Bossa, Ibiza Port Des Torrent, Ibiza People could also be fined between £640 and £1,300 if their drinking "disrupts coexistence, involves crowds or deteriorates the tranquillity of the environment". If the offence is considered serious, the fine could range from an eye-watering £1,300 to £2,500. Advertisement Carry ID Both tourists and Spanish citizens must carry a state-issued photo ID with them at all times. Failure to produce an ID on the spot when asked by the Civil Guard, National, Regional or Local Police can result in being detained. You can be held at a police station until your identity is confirmed. Holidaymakers have been warned that ignoring direct requests or challenging a police officer may be viewed as "disobedience", which is a criminal offence. Sarah Slattery, a former travel agent, advises sunseekers to prepare ahead by photocopying their ID and passport in case they're stolen while abroad. Advertisement She said: "It is not something we like to think about, but is it possible that you could be a victim of a crime on holidays, or you could simply loose your passport or other documents. "I suggest photocopying or uploading images of your passport, tickets and insurance policy to the cloud before you travel. "This is an important part of your holiday checklist, and once you have uploaded images of your passport once, they will be there for your next trip." 7 Thousands of anti-tourism protesters flooded the streets of Spain again in April. Credit: Getty 7 There are a number of rules tourists should follow while at the beach Credit: Getty Advertisement Bad beach behaviour In some Spanish seaside towns, going to a beach between midnight and 7am can cost tourists hefty fines of £640 to £1,000. Swimming when the red flag is flying can cost £850. Sleeping or camping on the beach can result in a sickening £1,000 bill. And placing a parasol or towel to reserve a space comes with the risk of a possible £130 fine. Smoking on the beach has a fine of up to £1,700 and alcohol is strictly banned - even when illegal beach vendors are offering it up at cheap prices. Advertisement And urinating in the sea can get you a fine of £130. In parts of Benidorm and Tenerife, building a sandcastle on the beach could also cost you up to £130 - the fine does not include kids and is aimed towards larger "sand architects". Shirtless stroll Going shirtless or stepping out in a bikini while walking in specific public areas is a huge no-no in some parts of Spain. If you get caught by the police in the street then you can get fined up to £500. Barcelona, Malaga and Benidorm are known as the spots tourists breaking this rule get caught out the most. Advertisement Why is Spain clamping down on tourists? MANY of Spain's most popular tourist destinations have been introducing tighter regulations for tourists as we approach the summer. It's a response to a fierce anti-tourism backlash in Spain. Locals blame tourists for crowded streets, traffic jams, a proliferation of souvenir stalls and generic coffee shops and restaurants and spiralling cost-of-living prices. Anger is also growing over the impact tourism is having on housing, with short-term tourist accommodation driving up the cost of rental properties. The new measures aim to mitigate the issues caused by overtourism and ensure a more sustainable tourism model. Stay clear of protests On June 15, several Spanish cities are expected to be brought to a standstill when locals take to the streets to protest against mass tourism. The demonstration in Palma, Majorca will be held simultaneously with similar marches in Ibiza, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Barcelona, Valencia, Bilbao, Donostia-San Sebastián, Santander and Pamplona. Some cities in Portugal, Italy and France are also set to see protest action on the same date. Tourists have been warned to "stay clear" of any protest action, amid fears that growing anger over mass tourism could make demonstrators more hateful. Cap on cars and caravans Ibiza introduced a limit on the number of tourist cars and caravans that can visit the island. Advertisement From June 1 until September 30, the number of vehicles used by non-residents will be capped at 20,168. Only 16,000 of these will be allowed to be rental cars. The other 4,108 will be for tourists who want to disembark with their cars in Ibiza from the ports of Barcelona, Denia, Valencia, or Palma. Vehicles heading to the sunshine hotspot must obtain prior online authorisation first. Those making the journey in caravans must present a confirmed reservation at an authorised campsite on the island to make it through. Advertisement
BBC News
8 hours ago
- BBC News
'Good karma': Laos' new monk-led travel experiences
Laos' spiritual heart, Luang Prabang, has seen a surge in tourism. Now, a series of immersive monk-guided experiences are educating visitors about the city's Buddhist heritage. The city of Luang Prabang is Laos' spiritual heartland, renowned for its rich Buddhist heritage, ornate temples and a significant population of saffron-robed monks. In fact, the 50,000-person spiritual hub is said by many to have the highest population of monks per capita anywhere in the world. This was once one of Southeast Asia's more off-the-beaten-track destinations, but the opening of the high-speed Laos-China Railway in 2021 has seen a sharp surge in visitors to the Unesco World Heritage-listed city. In recent years, locals say this tourism boom has heavily affected the city's ancient traditions and caused greater commercialisation of sacrosanct Buddhist rituals such as the morning alms-giving. "Tourism has its pros, but also plenty of cons," says Anat Khamphew, a former monk at Wat Xieng Mouane monastery. "We see people behaving very disrespectfully towards the monks. Historic Buddha statues have been stolen from monasteries, and important symbols of devotion are used as backdrops for an Instagram selfie." In response, Kamphew set up a YouTube channel to show travellers coming to Luang Prabang how to have a more positive impact, encouraging them away from over-touristed hotspots and underlining the importance of the city's Buddhist roots. "I wanted to help play a part in recovering Luang Prabang's spiritual heart and soul," he says. Khamphew isn't alone. A handful of other former monks in the city have also set up tour-guiding companies, like Orange Robe Tours and Spirit of Laos, to help promote a better understanding of Luang Prabang's traditional Buddhist culture and customs. One of Khamphew's former monastery classmates also established the artisan store LaLaLaos to help girls from poor rural areas get a secondary education, and another ex-monk created Kaiphaen, a highly regarded vocational restaurant that trains marginalised youths from local villages. "These businesses not only give you a more authentic and ethical experience, but the chance to give back," Khamphew says. "It's how travel should be: thoughtful and beneficial to all. And that's good karma." World capital of monks Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers at the foot of jungle-swathed Mount Phou Si ("Sacred Mountain"), Luang Prabang is the former royal capital of Laos. Established in the 14th Century, it soon became a centre of Buddhist learning and monastic life, a role that continues to this day. Some 33 opulently decorated wats (Buddhist monasteries or temples) are scattered across the city, many dating to between the 16th and 19th Centuries, and the city is home to an estimated 1,000 monks. Centre of spirituality Luang Prabang takes its name from the golden Phra Bang, the country's most sacred Buddha icon, which is housed in the city's National Museum complex in a dedicated temple. "It represents Buddhism coming to Laos and is believed to protect the nation; it's why the city is so venerated," says Khamphew. Visiting wats, performing pujas (devotional acts), offering alms and cultivating merits with good deeds form a key part of daily life among Luang Prabang's largely Buddhist population. The tourism paradox Luang Prabang's profound and omnipresent spirituality, coupled with its eclectic architectural styles – a blend of Laotian, Buddhist and French colonial – have made it increasingly popular with visitors, including Instagrammers and influencers. More like this:• Bhutan's 350-year-old recipe for wellbeing• Canada's tiny town of huge monsters• The rise and fall of Vang Vieng, Laos' notorious party town "The problem is that what was once a spiritual place has now been transformed by the digital world," says Khamphew. "Many people are led by 'Top-10' or 'Most-Instagrammable' lists; they go to the same places, experiencing the exact same things – all through their phones. They end up missing the essence of Luang Prabang and ultimately spoiling what they came to enjoy." Cultural erosion One of the rituals affected by the city's tourism growth is the Tak Bat, a solemn daily ceremony dating back more than 600 years, where hundreds of barefoot monks file through the streets before dawn collecting alms. Despite signs requesting appropriate behaviour from onlookers, these are often ignored. "It hurts my heart to see such disrespect,' says Parn Thongparn, a local nun-turned-tour guide who avoids the ceremony and takes her guests elsewhere for a more peaceful experience. "We love visitors, but if they took a little time to understand our culture better, it would help protect our beautiful traditions." Food for thought One particular problem is the offering of inappropriate alms by tourists, such as plastic-wrapped junk food or leftovers. "Food eaten by monks must be fresh, clean and pure; any dishes should be vegetarian, avoid spices and ideally be prepared at home that same morning," explains Linda Heu, a cook at the city's Wat Munna monastery. "Most importantly, it should be a meaningful gesture, not just something for a photo opportunity." Travel the monk's way Former novice monk Bounthan Sengsavang set up his guiding business Spirit of Laos in 2024 to ensure a more respectful approach towards Luang Prabang's monks, as well as a chance to take visitors on a deeper journey into Buddhism. "The people most closely related to the subject should be the ones who guide you," says Sengsavang. "If you haven't been a monk and lived in a monastery yourself, you don't know what it's like. Buddha himself taught from experience. I like to do the same." A simple life Rather than offer a long checklist of temples to visit on a whirlwind city tour, Sengsavang prefers to spend quality time in a small handful to show the monks' daily lives to his guests in detail. "The monks live very simply," he says. "Wealth and possessions are seen as the roots of suffering. Without them, monks can dedicate themselves to meditation, study and ethical living. And by relying solely on alms from the community for food, they practice humility and gratitude." Together in harmony Sengsavang can also facilitate sessions of prayer, chanting and meditation in the company of monks upon request. He tells me that meditation can be learned in one or two days; be performed walking, sitting, standing or sleeping; and that its benefits include stilling a stressed mind and overcoming depression. "The monks are always happy for us to join them," he says, noting that they often enjoy interacting with visitors afterwards. "It's a great way to connect with them and find out who they are, why they joined the monastery and help them practice their English." Mother love The majority of boys in Laos spend time in a monastery, from a few weeks up to a lifetime. As well as receiving a free education, their ordination is considered vital for their parents' spiritual wellbeing and reincarnation – particularly that of their mother. "In the Lao Buddhist tradition, when a boy becomes a monk, the merit helps elevate the mother's karma," Sengsavang explains. "That improves her chances of a good and happy rebirth after death." Circle of life Sengsavang's tours don't shy away from life's realities, and can include a visit to a Buddhist cremation. (Visitors are welcome to attend as long as they remain at a respectful distance.) "Everything ends; we just don't know when," he says. "Seeing a cremation is important; it reminds people of the value of the short life we have. Perhaps it will also help them find their purpose or inspire them to live their own lives better. If that happens, it's a form of enlightenment." -- For more Travel stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
