Important Events in Hebridean History

Main Article

David Simon

Around 4,500 BC, far-reaching changes in lifestyle gradually began to take place. Agricultural practices - the raising of sheep and cattle and the growing of crops, especially early forms of wheat and barley - were added to the existing means of sustenance. A more settled way of life meant that permanent settlements could be envisaged, and new material technologies were developed. This included the development of ceramics, and a new range of stone tools, typified by the polished stone axe head.

Leaf-shaped arrowhead
from Dunasbroc
Lewis (Museum nan Eilean)

It is unknown whether these changes were initiated by the immigration of new peoples, perhaps from Ireland or further south, or whether it represents a process of adaptation by the resident hunters and gatherers. However, during the Neolithic period, or New Stone Age, which lasted until about 2,500 BC, the climate reached its optimum, a few degrees warmer than recent times, and these favourable conditions allowed the early farming communities to spread successfully throughout the Outer Hebrides. Evidence for their houses and particularly their monuments are visible everywhere. Domestic sites have been identified at Allt Easdal in Barra, Langais and Eilean Domhnuill, Loch Olabhat in North Uist, and Taobh Tuath (Northton) in Harris.

Artist's impression of Cnoc na Croich chambererd cairn Stornoway
reconstructed (David Simon)

It is in the ritual monuments, however, that the Neolithic people have left their greatest mark on the landscape. Each community built a chambered tomb or passage grave, usually in a prominent place. These large, usually circular stone monuments provided a ritual focus for the life of the tribe, and often had entrances pointing towards the winter solstice. The best preserved example is to be found at Barpa Langais in North Uist, but others include Dùn Bharpa in Barra, Carabhat Barp, Cairinis and Cleitreabhal, North Uist, and Dursainean in Garrabost, Lewis.

Neolithic Standing Stones

Clach an Teampaill standing
stone, Taransay

Standing stones were also erected during this period, and developed into complex monuments, throughout the Neolithic and into the early Bronze Age.

The best known site is at Calanais in Lewis, which occupies the centre of a ritual landscape from horizon to horizon, with numerous lesser stone settings in its vicinity.

In the Southern Isles, Pobull Fhinn in North Uist is the best-preserved surviving stone circle, although many others were once impressive settings which now only appear as single monoliths. One example is at Scaristadh in Harris, where little now remains of the large circle surrounded by a henge-like 'ditch'. The tallest single standing stone in the Outer Hebrides, and possibly Scotland, is Clach an Truiseil in the Isle of Lewis.

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