People and Stone

Urras Nan Tursachan

2022

Bright designed a new brand identity for the redeveloped Calanais Standing Stones Visitor Centre, creating a visual language rooted in the site’s extraordinary history, atmosphere and cultural significance. Inspired by Calanais role as an ancient gathering place and centre for ritual and connection, the identity also drew from local legend to balance archaeology with mystery to create a distinctive and enduring brand for future generations.

As part of the branding process, Bright developed an identity intended to represent not only the Visitor Centre but the wider network of prehistoric monuments across the Calanais landscape — creating a flexible platform for future storytelling, interpretation and visitor experiences.

One enduring Lewis tradition tells that the stones were once giants who refused to convert to Christianity and were turned to stone. In the 17th century, local people referred to them as fir bhrèige, meaning false men, adding a layer of myth and mystery that continues to shape visitors’ experience today.

The monument’s layout is believed to connect with the moon’s southern major standstill, an event that occurs every 18.6 years. At this moment, the setting full moon appears to skim the horizon before visually aligning with the stone circle, reinforcing Calanais’ reputation as one of Europe’s most intriguing prehistoric sites.

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