Exploring the Ancient Mysteries of Clava Cairns: A Tour Guide’s Insider View
As a tour guide, one of my favourite places to introduce visitors to is the Clava Cairns. This incredible site, steeped in history and shrouded in mystery, never fails to captivate everyone from history buffs to Outlander fans. Each visit is a chance to step back nearly 4,000 years in time and feel the echoes of Scotland’s ancient past. Whether you’re drawn to its archaeological significance or its possible ties to the beloved TV series, the Clava Cairns offer a truly unforgettable experience.
Join me as I share an insider’s perspective on the Clava Cairns. We’ll delve into their fascinating history, explore their potential connection to the fictional Craigh na Dun, and uncover what makes this site so magical for visitors today.
What Are the Clava Cairns?
The Clava Cairns are a group of well-preserved Bronze Age burial mounds located just a short drive from Inverness. This ancient cemetery complex is thought to have been constructed around 2,000 BC and consists of three primary cairns surrounded by standing stones. Each cairn is unique, with features that reflect the burial practices and astronomical knowledge of the time.
What makes the Clava Cairns particularly special is their alignment with the winter solstice. Visitors often marvel at how these ancient structures were built with such precision, revealing the remarkable ingenuity of Scotland’s prehistoric communities. For anyone with a passion for archaeology or ancient history, this site offers a wealth of insights into a civilization long gone but not forgotten.
The Connection Between Clava Cairns and Outlander
Outlander fans, listen up! While the Clava Cairns may not be the exact inspiration for Craigh na Dun, the iconic stone circle featured in the series, they share undeniable similarities. Diana Gabaldon, the author of Outlander, has hinted that Scotland’s stone circles inspired her imagination, and Clava Cairns are among the best-preserved examples of such sites. With their mysterious standing stones and an otherworldly atmosphere, it’s easy to see why so many fans of the show are drawn here.
When I take Outlander fans to Clava Cairns, I often see their excitement as they imagine Claire touching one of these stones and being transported through time. While I always clarify that the time-travel aspect is pure fiction (or is it?), the magic of the site feels very real. For many, visiting Clava Cairns is the next best thing to stepping into the world of Outlander themselves.
