Claggain Bay Standing Stone, Islay

Claggain Bay Standing Stone

Islay is blessed with a wealth of prehistoric monuments, including several solitary standing stones. One of these stands by the shore of Claggain Bay, east of Port Ellen.

To find the stone, simply follow the A846 from Port Ellen east towards Ardbeg. At Ardbeg turn left onto the minor road towards Kildalton. Keep going past the lane that leads to Kildalton church and crosses, and past Trudernish. The road comes down the shore of Claggain Bay and just before it reaches the shore you will see the standing stone in the field to your right.

The stone stands 4ft high and is about 1'6" wide and 10" thick. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) seems uncertain whether the stone at Claggain is actually prehistoric or recent, but I'd definitely consider it authentic. It is very similar in shape to other standing stones on the island.

A short distance east on Trudernsh Point is the remains of the only vitrified (burned) Iron Age fort on Islay.

Don't confuse this standing stone with another just outside Port Ellen.

I wouldn't make a special trip to see the Claggain stone, but if you came all the way to Kildalton to view the crosses (and you should) then its just a few miles further on to see the stone. And there's always the possibility of finding seals on the rocks in Claggain Bay!

NOTE
Because Islay is an island the 'nearest accommodation' properties listed below may not be on Islay itself but on the Scottish mainland. The best source we have found for accommodation on the island is Isle of Islay.com, a dedicated local website offering a wonderful mix of local information, history, activities, and accommodation information.,/p>