Scattered across the remote expanse of northern Scotland, numerous circles of standing stones erected during the Neolithic period provide a view of the astronomical significance the Sun and Moon had to ancient skywatchers. Predating Stonehenge by five centuries, this collection of otherworldly monuments is a site to behold, steeped in history and surrounded by legends. Merging the field of archeoastronomy with Scottish history, we are poised to unveil the allure of the Highlands, delving into the celestial alignments of times past.
TravelQuest beckons you to embark on this nearly two-week exploration of Scotland’s most significant windows into history, from the battlefields of bygone regimes to millennia old tombs and myth shrouded lochs. Starting in the Highlands, you’ll begin your guided tour across time, marveling at the construction of ancient sites and along mist-covered isles. Among rolling hills, you’ll step inside enigmatic structures of ceremony and spirituality, then continue to historic castles with the awe-inspiring seats of power once held by clan heads. You’ll learn of Viking presence within five-thousand-year-old stone structures in an ancient archipelago and explore some of the oldest standing stones in the British Isles.
From seaside fishing villages to majestic mountains and medieval castles on tidal shores, this expedition will allow you to imagine what it might’ve been like to look up at an ancient sky. As you explore a rich blend of history and natural wonders, tracing the footsteps of kings, heroes, and the remarkable feats of engineering that shaped ancient civilizations, you’ll near the end of your journey. Scotland’s beautiful capital, Edinburgh, awaits, where you’ll experience its dramatic royal legacy and explore national treasures that offer a stunning portrayal of Scotland’s captivating heritage.
Archeoastronomy of Scotland
Written by Astronomer Paul Deans
Northern Scotland is home to numerous megalithic monuments —circles of standing stones, large and small, erected during the Neolithic period (4,000 to 2,000 BC). Most were constructed for ritualistic or ceremonial purposes, likely related to the seasonal positions of the Sun and Moon. During the Neolithic, the region’s inhabitants were transitioning from hunter-gatherers to farmers. Knowing when to plant and harvest was critical, and one way to determine this was by tracking the annual motion of the Sun. In 2016, researchers found statistical proof that the Callanish Standing Stones and the Stones of Stenness aligned with the positions of the Sun and Moon at certain times of the year. Constructed around 3,000 BC, they are two of the oldest Scottish stone circles—and predate Stonehenge by 500 years. Many of Scotland’s megalithic structures likely have similar alignments, though it’s sometimes difficult to prove because stones are often missing.
The science of archeoastronomy helps determine what role celestial events played in the design of these stone monuments. Building circles of giant stones to use as astronomical tools may seem like overkill to us today. But once in place, the stones stayed fixed for generations, providing observational continuity for ancient skywatchers.
