Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on the ancient High Cross of Kildalton on the island of Islay. This monument is situated in the grounds of the now defunct (and part ruined)  Old Parish Church of Kildalton.

The Isle of Islay is first mentioned in Adomnan’s, biography of Saint Columba in about 720 AD.The famous saint visited Islay on his way north, prior to founding the famous monastery on the Isle of Iona. Adomnan, wrote Islay’s name as “Ilea”. He described Islay as an inhabited island, which was later transformed to Islay through anglicised spelling. In Gaelic the island’s name is spelt Ìle and pronounced EE-leh by native Gaelic speakers.

Information on the cross

This cross dates from the latter part of the 8th century which ties in with Columba’s establishment of Christianity. It is considered as one of the finest early Christian crosses in Scotland. Despite heavy weathering, there exist discernible carvings of religious and Biblical scenes, mainly from the Old Testament.

Here is a video clip of the cross

Dimensions of the cross are 2.54 metres (8.33 feet) high with the arms extending to 1.32 metres (4.33 feet).

The prefix kil probably indicates an early Christian site. The second element is likely derived from the name of an early saint or missionary, probably from Ireland.

Visiting

This historic site forms an important part of Islay’s heritage and is deserving of a visit.Location is the S.E. corner of the island of Islay which accessed via a single track road. This is 7.6m N.E. of the ferry port of Port Ellen. Public transport to the site is not available hence transport options are motor vehicle or bicycle. Views of seals may be possible en-route.

More information for the tourist.

The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland covers Islay and most of the other popular Scottish islands. There is also a section on Scottish history together with a wide range of information for the tourist. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. The guide can also be accessed via Kindle.