Latest news with #UrrasnanTursachan
The Herald Scotland
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Iconic stone circle to welcome first artists-in-residence
Located in the west coast of Lewis, the 5,000 year old Calanais Stones (or Callanish in its anglicised form) represent one of the best preserved prehistoric monuments in Europe. A cross-shaped setting of ancient monoliths, Calanais predates Stonehenge and was an important place for ritual activity for at least 2,000 years. Mystery surrounds its exact purpose, although much of the evidence indicates that it was the site of both an astronomical observatory and ritual activity. READ MORE: Public views sought on Calanais Standing Stones entry fee proposal Five Scottish stone circles : Brodgar, Callanish, Calanais, Arran, Lewis, Bronze Age The Stones of Callanish: Scottish Icon, by Rab McNeil The selection of Freya Pellie and Jonathan Doyle followed a highly competitive process, drawing 112 strong applications from a wide variety of fields, including artists, archaeologists, authors, and digital media specialists, all eager to explore the unique heritage of Calanais. Freya Pellie is a multidisciplinary performance artist and circus coach, bringing an academic background in environmental science to her practice. Renowned for her international performances and teaching in aerial arts, flag poi, and stilt dance, Freya is a passionate advocate for social circus and uses performance art to spark interest in the world around us. Meanwhile Jonathan Doyle is an award-winning adventure photographer and filmmaker with a background in Astrophysics and Space Science. His work, which includes capturing the Aurora Borealis and Milky Way, has been featured in publications such as National Geographic Traveller UK. He is celebrated for his ability to capture the majesty of the night sky through his lens. Collaborating since 2023, their combined expertise and innovative approach to celebrating the major lunar standstill at Calanais with their outdoor photography and videography project made their proposal stand out. The residency offers Freya and Jonathan a unique opportunity to develop new work inspired by Calanais's significance and its relationship to celestial events. Jonathan Doyle and Freya Pellie (Image: JPS Images) They are set to engage the public through workshops, including an astrophotography session on June 6 and a circus skills workshop on June 7. They will also lead a special community co-creation event on June 14, involving light painting with LED props. Their work will produce a legacy piece for the Calanais Visitor Centre, contributing to original interpretations of the site. "We were very impressed by the depth and breadth of talent among all 112 applicants, reflecting the widespread fascination with Calanais," said Dr Alison Sheridan, Board member of Urras nan Tursachan, the charity that runs the Calanais Visitor Centre. "Freya and Jonathan's innovative approach, blending performance, photography, and scientific understanding, perfectly embodies the spirit of this residency. "We are excited to see the new perspectives they will bring to the Standing Stones for the benefit of the local community and visitors alike." Freya and Jonathan added: "It's a privilege to be the first artists-in-residence at Calanais. The 5,000 year old Calanais Stones represent one of the best preserved prehistoric monuments in Europe "This site is so inspirational. We look forward to creating work that not only celebrates Calanais but also inspires a deeper connection to this extraordinary place among all who engage with it." In May 2024, plans for Calanais Visitor Centre to undergo extensive architectural improvements were granted planning permission. Standing Stones Trust (Urras nan Tursachan), the charity dedicated to the preservation of the iconic stone circle site, said that the redevelopment of the centre "has been a long-term ambition of the community". The permission will allow the centre to move forward with its goal of transforming into a 5-star visitor attraction and a first-class community facility, the charity added. Back in 2023, proposals were put forward to charge an admission fee to visit the site. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is proposing a single admission charge as part of plans to establish Calanais as a 'true world-class heritage attraction'.
Telegraph
02-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Scotland's Stonehenge at centre of right-to-roam row
A right-to-roam row over 'Scotland's Stonehenge' has broken out after it emerged that visitors to the ancient stone circle could be charged an admission fee. The Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis, has long been free for the public to access – but now anyone wanting to marvel at the stones in future could be forced to buy a ticket. The circle of stones are up to 13ft tall and were built before Stonehenge, with an imposing megalith weighing 5.5 tonnes standing at its centre. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which has admitted that they are considering imposing an entry fee. Urras nan Tursachan, the charity which runs a neighbouring visitor centre where people could choose to buy a ticket, is building a new £6 million centre at the site which is expected to open next year. Documents relating to the project suggest the stones will only be accessible after buying a ticket. Druids are worried the new set-up will stop them seeing the stones at night at key moments of astronomical activity. This summer a rare 'lunar standstill' will see the moon skim across a nearby range of hills before disappearing briefly and then shining into the centre of the stone circle. Daru Mcaleece, an artist and storyteller from outside Edinburgh, represents the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, which has 30,000 members in 50 countries and is dedicated to practising and promoting Druidry. He said: 'The Calanais Stones are a significant feature of a sacred landscape, and have been a focus of ritual activity since the Bronze Age. 'Druids have a long history of working with sacred sites across the eight festivals of the year and these celebrations take place across the entire ceremonial landscape of Britain. 'Free access is required for these festivals.' The charity said: 'Previously and currently, visitors can freely walk up to the stones from the visitor centre car park without having to enter the visitor centre or make any payment. 'The new exhibition will now become part of the visitor journey to the stone site with access via the visitor centre, through the exhibition. This will be an all-in-one ticket price.' An HSE spokesman said: 'The proposed admission charge will help efforts to balance conservation of the monument with visitor access.'
