A historic lifting stone long believed to have been lost to agricultural activity on the machair of West North Uist has been rediscovered on Creag Hastain. The stone, known as Ulatch na Liona – the Stone of the Plain – was located over the weekend following a chance encounter with local Hastin crofter Lachlainn MacInnes, who had moved the stone some years earlier and was able to identify its precise location.

Weighing an estimated 215kg or more, Ulatch na Liona is considered to be among the largest traditional lifting stones in Scotland and adds to the significant collection of historic clach‑neart found across Uist.

Strongman enthusiasts Jamie McGregor and Julian Davies, both regular visitors to the islands, have documented eight known lifting stones in Uist, each associated with its own story and local heritage. Davies, who was present when the stone was rediscovered, noted the exceptional difficulty of the Uist stones:

“All of the Uist stones are big and hard to lift. The strength of Uist men in the past was remarkable.”

He highlighted his recent success in lifting the 168kg Berneray stone, Ultach Ghillie Mhòir, a feat believed to have been achieved by only four men since the 1870s:

“It had beaten me on my last two visits. I was successful this time, but it took perseverance and patience. I hope the Berneray ewes were not too bothered by my shouting when I finally lifted it.”

North Uist is widely recognised within the strongman and stone‑lifting communities for having one of the highest concentrations of historic natural lifting stones in Scotland. These stones, deeply rooted in clan and community tradition, represent a raw and unassisted test of strength.

McGregor explained that the Uist lifting stones differ from those on the mainland:

“Mainland stones often had a functional purpose — tests of soldiery, rites of passage, or markers along coffin roads. In North Uist, the Ultach stones tend to be linked to individual men, such as Ultach Ailean Ghilleasbuig Heisgeir in Baleshare or Ultach Dòmhnall Mòr, whom at that time, was the only one said to be able to lift.”

He added that the sheer size of the Uist stones suggests that “the island men back in the day must have been absolutely huge.”

Local resident Malcolm MacPhee has recently taken up the challenge of lifting the Uist stones and has successfully lifted two so far, with six remaining.

Reflecting on his time in Uist, Davies described the cultural significance of the tradition:

“Gaelic stonelifting is far removed from modern gym culture. It demands a different type of strength and a mindset that embraces a hard fight with a stubborn, unforgiving stone.

“Every lift creates a physical link in an extraordinary chain of men stretching back generations. It is a grounding in our Gaelic past and a reconnection with who we are at a fundamental level.”

He expressed his satisfaction at the renewed local interest: “I’m so pleased to see Uist men starting to lift them again.”