Bodach and Cailleach

Nearest town:
Campbeltown (27km SE)
OS reference:
NR63824730
OS sheet:
62
Latitude:
55° 39' 42.01 N
Longitude:
5° 45' 19.81 W
Added to TMA by

Images

Image of Bodach and Cailleach (Standing Stones) by spencer

Bodach stands on guard. A pilgrimage here for seafarers wishing safe passage to Jura and Southern Ireland beyond. Bless him and he will bless you.

Image credit: Mike Purslow
spencer
spencer May 28, 2025
Image of Bodach and Cailleach (Standing Stones) by spencer

The Old Man and The Old Woman. N side. I tried to make them look imposing, I really did

Image credit: Mike Purslow
spencer
spencer May 19, 2025

Articles

Folklore

Bodach and Cailleach
Standing Stones
drewbhoy
drewbhoy May 28, 2025

BODACH & CAILLEACH

At noon and night these stones are said to walk the heaths of Gigha. To us they are the Bodach and Cailleach, the old man and old woman in Gaelic. The Cailleach, the smaller stone, is the goddess of wilderness and winter. They may have links to pre-Christian Ireland over 1,500 years ago – Irish sailors still placed offerings here in the 19th century. But they are not alone. Similar-shaped bodachs are found in Perthshire, while other bodachs and cailleachs are woven into Highland and Hebridean landscapes. Tradition tells us that our Bodach must always face Ireland and that it’s bad luck if he falls – so tread carefully!

From ‘Visit Gigha‘

Sites within 20km of Bodach and Cailleach