Standing of the array: A Celtic tradition reenacted at Glen Innes, New South Wales

Abstract

It is intended that the Australian Standing Stones, located on a hill just east of central Glen Innes, should acknowledge the so many Celtic communities and their historical and cultural contribution to the development of Australia. As was suggested by Peter Alexander, C.M.G., O.B.E., the Convenor of the Celtic Council of Australia in late 1989, Glen Innes should forward a submission for the construction of an array of Standing Stones to commemorate the involvement of the Celtic races in the building of the Australian nation. Having failed in their bid for the Scottish Cairn, now well established in Rawson Park, Mosman, it was natural that Glen Innes would respond eagerly to this invitation. Some time later, Peter Alexander, in his capacity of Chairman for the Australian Council for the Standing Stones, could report: 'In keeping with its Celtic origins, Glen Innes, through the hard work of its local citizens and District Tourist Association, is to become the home of the Australian Standing Stones. Missing out on having Scotland's Bicentennary Cairn located in town, it was decided to apply for the Standing Stones. As part of this application and acceptance of Glen Innes as the site, the Mayor of Glen Innes, Ald. David Donnelly, visited Scotland. The Standing Stones of Callanish on the Isle of Lewis, where he visited, are among the best preserved in the United Kingdom. It was upon his return that the Celtic Council of Australia decided to build a monument recognise the contribution of all Celtic races (Le. Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Cornish, Manx and Breton) to Australian culture.'