Baile an Truiseil facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ballantrushal
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._-_geograph.org.uk_-_1573705.jpg) The Clach an Trushal at Ballantrushal |
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 Ballantrushal
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| Language | Scottish Gaelic English |
| OS grid reference | NB379535 |
| Civil parish | |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ISLE OF LEWIS |
| Postcode district | HS2 |
| Dialling code | 01851 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Ballantrushal (which is Baile an Truiseil in Scottish Gaelic) is a small village. You can find it on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. This island is part of the Outer Hebrides, a group of islands off the west coast of Scotland. Ballantrushal is located in the Barvas area and sits right on the A857. One of the most famous things near the village is a very old standing stone called Clach an Trushal.
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Discovering Ballantrushal
Ballantrushal is a quiet place with a rich history. It's located in a beautiful part of Scotland. The village is part of the Outer Hebrides, which are also known as the Western Isles. These islands are famous for their stunning landscapes. They have rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and wide-open moorlands.
Where is Ballantrushal?
Ballantrushal is on the northern part of the Isle of Lewis. This island is the largest in the Outer Hebrides. The village is easy to find because it's right next to the A857 road. This road connects many of the villages on the island. The area around Ballantrushal is mostly rural. It has a peaceful, natural feel.
Life in the Village
Life in Ballantrushal is often connected to the island's traditions. Many people in the Outer Hebrides speak Scottish Gaelic. This is an ancient language that is still important today. The village is part of the Barvas parish. A parish is like a local district. It helps organize local services and communities.
The Ancient Clach an Trushal
One of the most exciting features near Ballantrushal is the Clach an Trushal. This name means "Stone of Trushal" or "Stone of Sorrow" in Gaelic. It is a huge standing stone. It has been standing for thousands of years. This stone is a megalith. Megaliths are large stones used to build ancient monuments.
What is the Clach an Trushal?
The Clach an Trushal is one of the tallest standing stones in Scotland. It stands about 5.8 meters (19 feet) high. Imagine a stone taller than a two-story house! It was likely put there by people in the Bronze Age. This was a time between 3,300 BC and 1,200 BC. People back then used these stones for many reasons. They might have been for religious ceremonies. Or they could have marked important places.
A Place of Ancient Battles
The area around the Clach an Trushal has a dramatic history. It was the site of a very important battle. This battle was fought between two powerful clans. These were the Macaulays and the Morrisons. Clans were like large families or tribes in Scotland. They often fought over land and power.
The Clan Battle
The battle near the stone was the last major fight between these two clans on Lewis. It happened a long time ago. The exact date is not certain, but it was likely in the 16th century. These battles were often fierce. They shaped the history of the island. The Clach an Trushal stands as a silent reminder of these ancient conflicts. It tells a story of the people who lived here long ago.
Exploring the Isle of Lewis
Ballantrushal is a great starting point for exploring the rest of the Isle of Lewis. The island has many other interesting historical sites. It also has beautiful natural places to see.
Other Island Attractions
- Callanish Standing Stones: These are another famous group of ancient stones. They are arranged in a circle. They are even older than the Clach an Trushal.
- Gearrannan Blackhouse Village: This is a restored village. It shows how people used to live on the island. The houses are called "blackhouses." They have thick stone walls and thatched roofs.
- Butt of Lewis Lighthouse: This lighthouse is at the very northern tip of the island. It offers amazing views of the ocean.
The Isle of Lewis is a place where history and nature come together. Ballantrushal, with its famous standing stone, is an important part of this story. It helps us understand the ancient past of Scotland.
