Na Fir Bhrèige | |
 | |
  Shown within Outer Hebrides | |
| Location | North Uist |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 57°37′39″N7°13′01″W / 57.627366°N 7.217072°W /57.627366; -7.217072 |
| History | |
| Periods | Neolithic |
Na Fir Bhrèige (pronounced[nəfiɾʲˈvɾʲeːkʲə]; can be translated fromGaelic into English as "The False Men") is a set of threestanding stones on the Isle ofNorth Uist in theOuter Hebrides. They lie on the northwestern slope of Blashaval.
The stones are set in a line that runs WNW to ESE, nearly in alignment with the peaks of Blashaval and Maari. They protrude 0.7m, 0.5m, and 0.6m above the peat, although they are probably embedded very deeply and stood much higher when originally erected. They lie 21m and 35m apart.[1]
The name derives from two local legends. One is that they mark the graves of three traitors who were buried alive. Another is that they are three men fromSkye who deserted their wives and were turned to stone by a witch.[2][3]
The stones are located atgrid referenceNF88757176. They can be reached from theA865 about 3 miles northwest ofLochmaddy. One must then walk about a mile up Blashaval.
The stones inspired Mhairead MacLeod's novel,The False Men, based on true events during the Highland Clearances.[4]
OtherNeolithic sites in the Uists:
57°37′39″N7°13′01″W / 57.627366°N 7.217072°W /57.627366; -7.217072