Clach an Trushal

Clach an Trushal (Scottish Gaelic: Clach an Truiseil, translated to English "Stone of Compassion") is said to be the tallest standing stone in Scotland.[1] Above ground it stands approximately 5.8 metres (19 ft) tall, is 1.83 metres (6.0 ft) wide and at its thickest point is 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) thick, with a girth at its base of 4.75 metres (15.6 ft).[1] The stone is sited in the village of Ballantrushal on the west side of Lewis. Local legend says that it marks the site of a great battle, the last to be fought between the feuding clans of the Macaulays and Morrisons.[2] However it is actually the solitary upright stone remaining from a stone circle built about 5,000 years ago. It occupied a place within the circle, although its placement was not central. The second last standing stone was removed in 1914, and used as a lintel.

From the base the stone circle at Steinacleit archaeological site is clearly visible to the north east. The Callanish standing stones are 20 miles to the south west.

References

  1. 1 2 "Lewis, Clach An Trushal". Canmore. Historic Environment Scotland. Retrieved 2016-01-23.
  2. Davies, Caroline (2009-06-21). "Clans unite for battle to banish wind turbines". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2016-01-23.

External links

Coordinates: 58°23′33″N 6°29′48.48″W / 58.39250°N 6.4968000°W / 58.39250; -6.4968000

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