Archaeology Notes

Event ID 644466

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/644466

HY31SW 40 306 126.

The Stone of Odin. This stone formerly stood about 150yds. north of the Ring of Stenness (HY31SW 2) but was destroyed in 1814 by the tenant of the farm. It is said to have been about 8 ft. high and was pierced through by a hole at about 5 ft. from the ground. Up to the time of its destruction it was customary to leave some offering on visiting the stone, such as a piece of bread, or cheese, or a rag, or even a stone. It was also considered that a promise made while the plighting parties grasped their hands through the hole was peculiarly sacred.

RCAHMS 1946, visited 1928.

The 'John O'Groat Journal' in 1849 gives a brief description of the site.

M Howe 2006