The Stones of the Ancestors

This book will be available November 2024

About the Book: 

The ancient monuments of Scotland are a source of mystery in our modern times.
Why are so many aligned with the sun and the moon?
What is the meaning of their strange markings?
Why were they built in the first place?

In this extensively researched new book, experts Douglas Scott and Stuart McHardy explore these questions and more. Covering the stone circles of Calanais and Maeshowe standing against the wild landscapes of the Isle of Lewis and Orkney, to the rock art at Drumtroddan and Kintraw, The Stones of the Ancestors is your must-have guide to these ancient monuments and their cultural and historical significance.

Reviews: 

 …this book has the potential to create a renewed interest in and a new following for these wonderful monuments and their relation to the skyscape. Journal of Skyscape Archaeology

An extensive and comprehensive guide to the historic and cultural significance of Scotland’s mysterious standing stones… includes stunning photographs. The Scots Magazine

About the Authors:

STUART MCHARDY is a writer, historical scholar, poet, musician, folklorist and renowned lecturer about Scottish history and culture, at home as well as abroad. His unique understanding of tradition comes from a thorough immersion in the storytelling arts and history alike. Former President of the Pictish Arts Society and the Director of the Scots Language Resource Centre, McHardy has occupied lead positions with organisations working towards the aim of rediscovering Scottish national identity.

DOUGLAS SCOTT was born in Springburn, Glasgow and in 1976 he moved with his family to the Highlands to start their silversmithing business. Over the years he had interests in rock and ice climbing, diving and sea canoeing, but his love of archaeology and astronomy came together one day when his friend Ian Fraser took him to see the Bronze Age Edderton stone circle and its outlying standing stone, the Clach Biorach. Being shown these stones led Dougie to the most joyful and frustrating period of his life, as he began to survey and photograph the solar and lunar aligned prehistoric monuments all over Scotland for the next 40 years.