drewbhoy
These must have been huge walls as it swings round to the west.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Outer defence on the south. Bits of excellent stonework still remain.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
There are a number of folk tales associated with these particular caves. One story concerns the last of the MacPhee lairds of Colonsay who had been defeated by his enemies, the MacNeills. He took refuge, with his three dogs, from an approaching gang of MacNeills, in the Slochd dubh Mhic a Phi (MacPhee’s Dark Cave, or Pit).
This had an entrance from the sea and another from the land. At the sea end MacPhee placed his three dogs. He stood in the cave at a point where anyone trying to get in from the land entrance would have to get down on all fours to pass through. MacPhee cut the head off each MacNeill in turn as he crawled through. Eventually the MacNeills who waited outside suspected trouble and started to dig an entrance through the roof, whereupon MacPhee went out by the sea entrance and swam across the bay to a rock still known as the Black Skerry of the MacPhee.
Colonsay Cave Folklore
By Marg Greenwood
In the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, on the island of Colonsay, lies an ancient site of historical significance: Dùn Cholla. According to tradition, this hill fort was once the stronghold of Colla Uais, exiled from Ireland in the year 310. Adding another layer of historical significance to the site, it is said that St. Columba founded his first church in Scotland in the vicinity of Dùn Cholla. The area is steeped in history and shrouded in the mystical aura of the past, visitors can explore the remains of the ancient walls that once demarcated the fortress. Although historical details are fragmentary, the impact that figures like Colla Uais and St. Columba had on Scottish and Irish culture is undeniable. In addition to the archaeological remains, travelers passing through these lands can be enchanted by the panoramic views that stretch from the fort to the Atlantic. The surrounding landscape, characterized by pristine nature and a variety of wildlife, immersed in the tranquility of the Hebrides, offers a unique experience for those interested in the history and natural environment of the island of Colonsay.
Loquis
On the south side, a tad windy and the remains of stonework.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Up to this point calm, the full blast of an Atlantic wind is about to hit.
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Dun Gallain is also called Fort of the Strangers. An old folk tale told locally holds that in the Viking period the fort was the residence of a local chief named Grey Somerled, related to the Lords of the Isles.
This Grey Somerled was betrayed to his enemies, who seized him and imprisoned him in a stone hut at Machrins, a mile or so away. One day a stone fell from the roof of the hut, killing the chief.
David Ross
Internal part of the dun, plus evidence of the golf.
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On the fairway, a site that can be added to the list of being on a golf course.
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For some reason, the camera’s flash ceased to work, after this photo. However, I’m going back to the island :-)
Image credit: drew/AMJ
In the gloom you just about see one of the other caves inside.
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The possible remains of a cist in the centre of the cairn.
Image credit: drew/A/B
During the Mediaeval Period, this was said to be the seat of the chief of the MacMhuirich (“Currie”) family. His house was called Tigh Am Tom Dreiss – Bramble Knoll House”, and according to Highland custom he himself was known as “Fear Am Tom Dreiss.”
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Vol 34 (1899-1900)
An archaeological dig in a field near Mont Cochon, Jersey, has provided insight into life in the island more than 2,000 years ago.
More info :
Looking south east, perhaps the remains of chamber cairn, perhaps.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Directly over the white building on the hill is Scalasaig Standing Stone.
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Carn Nan Caoroch behind, looking north east.
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The east end, taken from a spot were I could get above the head high ferns.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
South side of the entrance, the Paps of Jura beyond.
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Looking south, the road to Oransay, beyond is Islay.
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Interior of the fort, looking east – Scalasaig village and ferry port, Jura beyond.
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Dun Eibhinn became a seat of the Dalriadic noblemen from Ireland 1,500 years ago and, in due course, was adopted by the Vikings. It became the centre to which the taxes and wealth of the Suderys (“Sudreyjar” or Southern Hebrides) were gathered for onward transmission. In the fulness of time, it was home to Adomain (“Jarl Gilli”), one of the later Norse nobles, the fore-father of the mighty Somerled. After the overthrow of the Norse, Somerled’s own descendants created the Lordship of the Isles and took over Dun Eibhinn for themselves. During the rule of the Lords of the Isles, the ancient and “well-beloved” family of Clan McPhee became their hereditary record keepers and for upwards of three centuries Dun Eibhinn was their home.
On August 23rd 1609, the Statutes of Iona were accepted by a assembly of chiefs which included
Donald McFie in Collonsaye, togidder with the maist pairt of thair haill speciall frindis, dependairis and tennentis....
Lonely Colonsay – Island At An Edge by Kevin Byrne
North east well, Loch an Sguid in the background.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Jewellery worn by a Scottish woman of wealth during the Bronze Age is going on show for the first time in 4,000 years.
More info : bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy8x4ze92xwo
