A team of archaeologists has found an ancient stone circle in the Outer Hebrides that pre-dates Stonehenge.

The new flattened stone circle, called Na Dromannan, was discovered on the Isle of Lewis on top of a hill that overlooks the islands famous Standing Stones of Callanish.

The Callanish Standing Stones have long been regarded by experts as second in importance only to Stonehenge – over 80,000 people already visit them each year. Supposedly linked to the moon cycle rather than the sun, the Callanish stones are arranged in the shape of Celtic cross and hold as much mystery and continued fascination as Stonehenge.

The archaeological team, from Manchester University, have partially excavated the new 100-foot wide flattened stone circle site from peat moorland and believe that the circle was constructed on the site of the quarry where the stones possibly originated.

While archaeologists regularly find sites of interest in the Outer Hebrides, there are hopes that the latest discovery could well boost tourism levels to new heights once excavation is completed in 2004.

A spokesperson for the Western Isles Tourist Board said: “The site is off the beaten track on the moorland and you’ll need a good pair of walking boots to get there. In all likelihood, it will be covered up for winter before the excavation is completed in summer 2004. As they were dug up from under the peat, and excavation is still pending, realistically there won’t be much promotion or marketing of this new area until the middle of next year.” Details: www.witb.co.uk