Stone Lud

Standing about 3 metres tall, Stone Lud is a large standing stone located 7km south of Castletown. Its origins are uncertain. Another stone lies nearby and may once also have stood upright - perhaps hinting at the former existence of a larger megalithic monument.

Additional Information

Stone Lud is a large megalith located on farmland in the parish of Bower. A short distance to the south-east, a stone of similar dimensions lies prostrate, perhaps indicating that both formed an alignment such as that at Buldoo or the later stone setting at Achavanich. Stone Lud is comparable in size to the stones comprising Orkney's Ring of Brodgar, and may similarly have been erected in the Neolithic period.

Standing stones were likely used by prehistoric communities to mark important places in the landscape, possibly acting as monuments themselves or as focal points for ceremonial or daily activities. It is thought that, when both upright, Stone Lud and its neighbour would have made an alignment with the summer solstice.

You can find out more about Stone Lud, as well as other archaeological and historical sites, on Canmore, Scotland’s historic environment record.