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.
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About Clach A'Pheanais (Balnahard) Standing Stone
Address: Balnahard,
Isle of Colonsay,
Argyll and Bute,
Scotland
Attraction Type: Prehistoric Site
Location: Follow the track past Balnahard Farm towards Balnahard Bay. The stone is 1/2 mile northwest of the farm, beside the ruined Chapel of St Catherine just by a livestock pen to the left of the path.
Location map
OS: NR421998
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
HERITAGE
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Iona (Place) - Medieval (Time Period) - standing stone (Historical Reference) -
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Cill Chaitriona - 0 miles (Historic Church) 
Balnahard Bay Beach (Traigh Ban) - 0.4 miles (Countryside) 
Colonsay Whale Sculpture - 1.1 miles (Countryside)
St Columba's Well - 1.3 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Kiloran Bay Beach - 1.7 miles (Countryside)
Tobar Oran Sculptured Stone - 2.7 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Colonsay House Gardens - 2.7 miles (Garden)
Buaile Riabhach Stone Circle - 4 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Clach A'Pheanais (Balnahard) Standing Stone:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Clach A'Pheanais (Balnahard) Standing Stone. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
Lochgilphead, Strathclyde
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £405 - 686
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