Clach A'Pheanais Standing Stone
Clach A'Pheanais Standing Stone
Clach A'Pheanais is a standing stone located just northeast of the ruined medieval chapel of St Catherine (Cill Chatriona) in Balnahard, northern Colonsay. The stone is known locally as The Stone of Penance, as parishioners of St Catherines performed penance at the stone after going to confession. One record suggests that the stone was used for the flagellation of penitents.

Clach A'Pheanais is about 4 feet high, tapered toward the top, and slopes from one side to the other. It is aligned roughly east and west.

It is quite likely that Clach A'Pheanais is not a standing stone at all, but rather a stone erected specifically in relation to St Catherine's Chapel. The chapel, known popularly by the Gaelic Cill Chatriona, is the partial remains of a building of indeterminate age, possibly founded by monks from Iona.