Beinn a' Charra Standing Stone, North Uist

Beinn a' Charra Standing Stone

This chunky standing stone sits on the slope of Beinn a' Charra, just east of Committee Road, North Uist. The stone is canted at a considerable degree, about two metres off centre, leaning to the south. From tip to toe the stone measures 9' 3" high and is 6' 6" wide.

The alternate name Clach Barnach Bhraodac means Limpet Stone of Freya (Freya being the Norse goddess of love and beauty).

Getting There

To reach the stone is not the easiest task and a good OS map is essential, as is good waterproof footwear for, like most places in the Uists, the going can be boggy and very wet.

There is a small layby at the base of the hill (not signposted). From there, follow the fence uphill towards the crest of the hill. You'll have to [carefully] hop the fence, and keep going uphill. The stone will loom into view above you after two hundred yards.

Beinn a' Charra Standing Stone #2

NB. Don't confuse this Beinn a' Charra stone with the much taller stone of the same name on South Uist! Both stones are sometimes referred to as An Carra, which makes matters worse. Just be sure you know which of the Uists you are heading for!

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), who ought to know a thing or two, calls the North Uist stone 'Beinn a' Charra', and the South Uist stone 'An Carra' though you will often see the names used interchangeably on other Internet guides.