drewbhoy

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

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

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