Peter & Anna’s guidebook
Sightseeing
You enter the churchyard through the arched gateway erected in 1921 as a memorial to those who died in the 1914-1919 war. The date is a reminder that Scottish war memorials tend to take the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919 as the end point of the war rather than the armistice that came into effect on 11 November 1918. The most complete of these is an early Christian cross, which probably dates back to the 900s. This shows signs of two distinct phases of carving. The work on one side was done before - perhaps long before - an arm broke off, and the original reverse of the stone was then carved with a narrower cross that fitted the space available. The more striking of the two main crosses originally had long cross pieces. This seems likely to be considerably later in date than its neighbour. Both arms were broken and lost during its long history, but one was rediscovered in 1973, built into a culvert near the church. Until fairly modern times the two crosses stood in socketed stones (which can still be seen) either side of the path leading to the church from the churchyard gateway. The stone set against the wall is a fragment of a cross thought to date back to the 1400s. These three crosses, together with a truly magnificent collection of sculptured West Highland graveslabs found in the churchyard and covered in a separate feature are evidence that Christianity in Kilmartin long predates the building of the church you see today.The siting here of a cross dating back a further several centuries suggests that even the medieval church was only a replacement for something earlier on the site and it is entirely possible that there was a series of earlier churches, perhaps moving from wood and turf construction to something more substantial. When you look at today's church, bear in mind it is not just a building approaching two hundred years old: rather it may well be just the latest in a long line of churches and chapels on the same site that could have stood on this site for more than a millennium.
Kilmartin Church and graveyard
A816You enter the churchyard through the arched gateway erected in 1921 as a memorial to those who died in the 1914-1919 war. The date is a reminder that Scottish war memorials tend to take the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919 as the end point of the war rather than the armistice that came into effect on 11 November 1918. The most complete of these is an early Christian cross, which probably dates back to the 900s. This shows signs of two distinct phases of carving. The work on one side was done before - perhaps long before - an arm broke off, and the original reverse of the stone was then carved with a narrower cross that fitted the space available. The more striking of the two main crosses originally had long cross pieces. This seems likely to be considerably later in date than its neighbour. Both arms were broken and lost during its long history, but one was rediscovered in 1973, built into a culvert near the church. Until fairly modern times the two crosses stood in socketed stones (which can still be seen) either side of the path leading to the church from the churchyard gateway. The stone set against the wall is a fragment of a cross thought to date back to the 1400s. These three crosses, together with a truly magnificent collection of sculptured West Highland graveslabs found in the churchyard and covered in a separate feature are evidence that Christianity in Kilmartin long predates the building of the church you see today.The siting here of a cross dating back a further several centuries suggests that even the medieval church was only a replacement for something earlier on the site and it is entirely possible that there was a series of earlier churches, perhaps moving from wood and turf construction to something more substantial. When you look at today's church, bear in mind it is not just a building approaching two hundred years old: rather it may well be just the latest in a long line of churches and chapels on the same site that could have stood on this site for more than a millennium.
Excavations in the 1980s found the mound was used as a fort more than 2,000 years ago. But the site is internationally renowned as a royal power centre of the Gaelic kings of Dál Riata, from about AD 500 to AD 800.
Dunadd is one of the few places referenced in early histories. It’s first mentioned in AD 683, by which point it was already a major power centre – potentially already the chief stronghold of Dál Riata. It may also be the spot where St Columba reportedly met a merchant from Gaul in the late 500s. A rich prehistoric landscape survives in Kilmartin Glen, providing a tantalising insight into its prehistoric population. The surviving rock art along the glen is remarkable for the number of elaborately carved outcrops, the style of and extent of the carvings, and their close association with other prehistoric monuments. No other place in Scotland has such a concentration of prehistoric carved stone surfaces, and Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments.
17 místní doporučují
Dunadd Fort
A816Excavations in the 1980s found the mound was used as a fort more than 2,000 years ago. But the site is internationally renowned as a royal power centre of the Gaelic kings of Dál Riata, from about AD 500 to AD 800.
Dunadd is one of the few places referenced in early histories. It’s first mentioned in AD 683, by which point it was already a major power centre – potentially already the chief stronghold of Dál Riata. It may also be the spot where St Columba reportedly met a merchant from Gaul in the late 500s. A rich prehistoric landscape survives in Kilmartin Glen, providing a tantalising insight into its prehistoric population. The surviving rock art along the glen is remarkable for the number of elaborately carved outcrops, the style of and extent of the carvings, and their close association with other prehistoric monuments. No other place in Scotland has such a concentration of prehistoric carved stone surfaces, and Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments.
Carnasserie Castle is a roofless ruin today, but it was once a fashionable residence incorporating many of the latest Renaissance influences. It was the home of the first Protestant Bishop of the Isles, Master John Carswell, and its design is befitting of a man of his stature.
The castle is an accomplished piece of architecture, laid out as a single building integrating both a five-storey tower house and a hall range. Its masonry matched the design, with finely-carved features throughout.
From the parapets there’s a magnificent view down to Kilmartin Glen, which is home to a range of marked rocks, cairns and standing stones, some of which are visible from the tower.
13 místní doporučují
Carnasserie Castle
Carnasserie Castle is a roofless ruin today, but it was once a fashionable residence incorporating many of the latest Renaissance influences. It was the home of the first Protestant Bishop of the Isles, Master John Carswell, and its design is befitting of a man of his stature.
The castle is an accomplished piece of architecture, laid out as a single building integrating both a five-storey tower house and a hall range. Its masonry matched the design, with finely-carved features throughout.
From the parapets there’s a magnificent view down to Kilmartin Glen, which is home to a range of marked rocks, cairns and standing stones, some of which are visible from the tower.
Visit and explore this stunning ruin. Set next to the old church. Up in the hills. Will stunning panoramic views.
Poltalloch
Visit and explore this stunning ruin. Set next to the old church. Up in the hills. Will stunning panoramic views.
A great day out. Step back in time to this great please. Find out about what went on in our jails of past era.
61 místní doporučují
Vězení Inveraray
A great day out. Step back in time to this great please. Find out about what went on in our jails of past era.
Food scene
Lee Garden
43 Lochnell StBest Chinese takeaway in the area. Great food. Great prices. Fast service