Standing stones

These standing stones in Arran are part of a dramatic moorland rich in archeological history, including stone circles, burial cairns and more. The stones may have once been used for observing astronomical activities, with the prehistoric standing stones dating back to between 3,500 and 1,500 BC.

The circles are aligned with the head of Machrie Glen where a midsummer sunrise could be seen, so they are connected with religious and ceremonial activities. One of the circles is known as "Fingal's Cauldron Seat", after the mythical giant, Fionn Mac Cumhaill. See if you can spot a hole in one of the stones, where he was said to tie his dog Bran.

Prehistoric stone circles in Scotland don't get much more impressive than the Ring of Brodgar. It comprises 27 stones, although it's thought to have originally been made up of around 60! The site is part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of several significant Orkney stone circle sites, which also include the Stones of Stenness. The Ring of Brodgar sits between the lochs of Stenness and Harray and are examples of the most northerly stone circles in the UK. 

Wander amongst the ancient stones and soak up the rich history of the site, from its Neolithic origins to the Norse influence of the Vikings. 

Clava Cairns are a well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex of ring cairns, kerb cairns and standing stones in a beautiful woodland setting. Located just outside of Inverness, they are free to visit and open all year round. 

Built to house the dead over 4,000 years ago, these stone circles and associated cairns have been a sacred place ever since and this type of site can only be found in the Moray Firth and Inverness regions of Scotland.

If you're an Outlander fan you'll know that the Clava Cairns were the fictional Craigh na Dun in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander books and the Starz TV series. Follow in the footsteps of Claire and explore this historic location shrouded in mystery.

The area around Kilmartin Glen on the west coast spans 5,000 years of history, complete with cairns, standing stones, carved rock, stone circles, forts and castles – one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. There are more than 350 ancient monuments near the village to discover, including the remains of the fortress of the Scots at Dunadd, a royal centre of Dál Riata, which are located to the south of the glen, on the edge of the Moine Mhòr, or "Great Moss".

Visit the Kilmartin Museum to delve deeper into the history of the stones and surrounding area, as well as the nearby parish church which has a collection of medieval grave slabs. 

Travel back in time over 5,000 years and visit the four remaining stones in Stenness, thought to be the earliest henge monument in the British Isles. The ancient ceremonial site is less than a mile away from the Ring of Brodgar, in the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. The epic site has inspired myths and legends throughout history, including Norse rituals and traditions. 

Nicknamed the "Stonehenge of the North", these iconic standing stones on the Isle of Lewis are believed to be 3,000 - 5,000 years old and actually predate Stonehenge. In the 17th century, the people of Lewis called the stones "Na Fir Bhrèige", or "the false men". No one is quite sure why the stones were erected, but it's thought to be an astronomical observatory or ritual site. 

The fictional Brave and Outlander standing stones are based on this stone circle, so you're sure to be swept away by the history, atmosphere and romance of this ancient site.

Please note, the visitor centre is currently closed until 2026 for redevelopment and during that time there will be no facilities or parking measures available to the public.

Located on the north-easterly edge of Forres in Moray Speyside, see one of the largest surviving Pictish style sculptures of its kind in Scotland. Believed to have been carved between the mid AD 800s and early AD 900s, it features carvings of a 10th century battle scene which includes horsemen, soldiers on foot, fallen soldiers, a broch or fort, and more. 

Free to visit all year round, the standing stone is a must-visit and is in close proximity to other historical sites including the remnants of Burghead Fort, Northern Britain’s largest known early medieval promontory fort.