Clach an Truishal - Truiseil

This is a large standing stone located off the A857 north from Barabhas south of Siadhar on the northwest coast of Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas). Clach An Truishal (Scottish Gaelic: Clach an Truiseil) stands at a height above ground of approaching 20 feet (6 m) and 6 feet (1.83 m) wide and at its thickest point is 4.9 feet (1.5 m) thick. This prehistoric standing stone in Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas) is said to be the tallest standing stone in Scotland. There are two large blocks lying at its base. It is unlikely that we will ever know the belief systems that the creators of this and other such ancient stone monuments held. It is clear though, that they were seen as being important monuments and took a great effort to erect. Clach An Truishal is thought to be about 5,000 year old.

Tradition had it locally that Clach An Truishal was once part of a stone circle. In 2006 evidence was uncovered that pointed to this being correct. The sockets of three stones, one of which was preceded by a timber post, were revealed by excavation in the area immediately to the north east. There are other stone circles in the area, the nearest being the stone circle at Steinacleit which is clearly visible to the north east. The Callanish standing stones are 20 miles to the south west.

As with other prehistoric monuments legend and folklore have become attached to Clach An Truishal. They include that it marks the site of a great battle in the seventeenth century, the last to be fought between the feuding clans of the Macaulays and Morrisons. There is another legend that suggests that the stone dates to the time of the Vikings and marks the grave of a Norse Prince who died in a battle close to its location. There is also a story that it was created by a race of giants who once lived in the world. Others also put forward the theory that with its location being close to a beach that offered a safe harbour, it could have been a marker used by sea vessels.