Teampull na Trionaid facts for kids

The old church ruins of Teampull na Trionaid

Teampull na Trionaid means "Trinity Church." It is a ruined church from the 1200s. This old building was once a home for Augustinian nuns. You can find it in Carinish, on the island of North Uist. This island is part of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland.

History of the Trinity Church

Who Built Teampull na Trionaid?

An old book, the Red Book of Clanranald, tells us about the church's beginning. It says that a woman named Beathag built Teampull Chairinis. Beathag was the daughter of Somerled. She was a religious woman and an Augustinian nun, sometimes called a "Black Nun."

Beathag was a leader (prioress) at the Iona church around the year 1203. At that time, the islands were still ruled by the Norse people. However, many Norse families had already become Christian.

Later Changes to the Church

Later, in the 1300s, a woman named Amie mac Ruari is said to have rebuilt the church. She did this after her divorce from John of Islay, Lord of the Isles.

In 1389, Godfrey, Amie's son, confirmed a gift of land. This land, called Sancta Trinita in Chairinis, was given to the Abbey of Inchaffray. This gift was made by Christina, Amie's aunt. This means the church was important for at least two generations before Godfrey.

Why the Church Became a Ruin

During the Scottish Reformation, many changes happened in Scotland. Different families tried to take over church lands. Because of this, the nunnery became a ruin. It has been in ruins ever since.

In 1601, a battle happened near the church ruins. This was the Battle of Carinish. It was fought between the warriors of Clan MacDonald of Sleat and Clan MacLeod of Dunvegan.

Was it a University?

Some people say that Teampull na Trionaid was once a place of learning. They even believe it might have been Scotland's first university.

However, John Lorne Campbell wrote about education in the past. He said that for Scottish Gaelic speakers, being "illiterate" just meant they couldn't read or write English. In those days, Highlanders had little education. They had no schooling at all in their own language.

Lost Carved Stones

In 1867, a man named T.S. Muir heard a story from an old man. This man remembered seeing stones with carvings of angels, armed men, and animals. These stones might have looked like the carvings on a tomb in St. Clement's Church in Roghadal. Sadly, these stones have now disappeared.

People think the stones were taken away to be used for sharpening tools. There was also a carving of a three-headed giant on the church. This giant likely represented the Trinity. But that carving is also gone. One stone, shaped like a human head, was saved. You can see it today at the museum of Taigh Chearsabhagh in Loch nam Madadh.

The Mysterious Burial

In 1907, Reverend Kenneth MacLeod shared a strange story. In the early 1800s, the people of North Uist found a body washed ashore. They respectfully buried it in Teampull na Trionaid.

That evening, a mysterious boat came into the bay. Three people from the boat went to the church. They opened the grave and took the body. Then, they disappeared into the darkness and the sea forever.

Current Status of the Ruins

Today, the ruins of Teampull na Trionaid are protected. They are a scheduled monument. This means they are an important historical site.