Eilean Mòr, MacCormaig Isles facts for kids
| Meaning of name | Big isle |
|---|---|
 St Cormac's Chapel |
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| OS grid reference | NR666753 |
| Coordinates | 55°54′52″N 5°44′09″W / 55.914477°N 5.735721°W |
| Physical geography | |
| Island group | MacCormaig Isles |
| Area | 18 hectares (0.07 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 21 metres (69 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | Scotland |
| Council area | Argyll and Bute |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 0 |
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Eilean Mòr means "Big Isle" in Scottish Gaelic. It is one of the MacCormaig Isles located near the entrance to Loch Sween in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. This island is not inhabited by people.
Eilean Mòr is the biggest of the MacCormaig Islands. It is an important place for seabirds to nest and raise their young. The island is famous as the legendary quiet retreat of Saint Cormac, who lived in the 7th century. You can find three very old monuments on the island. These are a cave, a chapel, and a cross. All three are looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. In 1978, the island was given to the Scottish National Party. Since 2000, a special group (a charitable trust) has been taking care of it.
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Exploring Eilean Mòr's History
Eilean Mòr holds many secrets from the past. It offers a glimpse into ancient times. You can discover old buildings and carvings here. These tell stories of saints and powerful leaders.
Saint Cormac's Cave
Saint Cormac's Cave is found at the south end of the island. This cave is about 3 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 2 meters high. Inside, on its east wall, you can see two carved crosses. Experts believe these crosses were made around 700 AD.
Saint Cormac (also known as Cormaic or Carmaig) is a bit of a mystery. He lived in the early 7th century. Some people think he might have been the son of a king from Ireland. Legend says he founded Keills Chapel, which is about 3.5 miles away on the mainland. It is also believed that he used this cave as a quiet place to live and pray, like a hermit. A rough stone wall in front of the cave might have been built in the Middle Ages. It could have helped control people visiting the cave.
Saint Cormac's Chapel
The chapel is a rectangular building. It measures about 11.5 by 6 meters on the outside. It was built in the 13th century (the 1200s). Later, in the 14th century (the 1300s), John MacDonald, a powerful leader, made changes to it. He improved the main part of the church (the chancel).
Around 1700, the chapel was turned into a house. A person who rented land from the island's owner lived there. The chapel used to have a burial ground around it. Most of this graveyard is now gone. However, you can still see a stone carving of a headless priest on the south side of the chancel.
Saint Cormac's Crosses
Next to the chapel stands Saint Cormac’s Cross. People believe this cross dates back to the 10th century (the 900s). Legend says it marks the west end of Saint Cormac's grave. Only the tall pole (shaft) and the lower part of the circular cross are still standing. It is now 1.75 meters tall. However, it was originally much taller, at least 2.8 meters high.
The east side of the cross shows some amazing carvings. You can see two wrestling monsters with beaks and tails. Above them is a hooded rider on a very large horse. Higher up, a big monster grips a snake in its mouth. Its tail and crest connect to a group of four animals shaped like a cross at the top of the shaft. The carvings on the west side are damaged. But you can still see two squatting beasts with their necks twisted together and large heads.
There is another cross on the island's highest point. This one is a copy of an older cross from the late 14th century. It was put there by Mariota de Ros. She was the wife of Donald MacDonald, another powerful Lord of the Isles. The original cross was moved to the National Museum of Scotland in 1937.
Images for kids
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Entrance to St Cormac's Cave
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St Cormac's Cross and Chapel
