The only upright stone in the fort, presumably part of a hut circle.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
drewbhoy
The interior of the east section, round the sloped cliff leads to another section.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
The south section of the west section, no need to build a wall, nature had already done it.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Furthest west point looking down, nobody would attempt to take over the fort from this side.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
On the other side of the causeway, a sheer drop into a rough sea.
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A watery grave at the bottom of the hole, eventually I'd assume this will vanish.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
The Culdees, 8th – 10th century
The so-called Culdees were early Christian ascetics who lived in remote communities, the Céli Dé or "Companions of God". The concept originated in Ireland and it is believed by some scholars that the first inhabitants of Iceland, the "papar" who are recorded in so many placenames, were in fact Culdees. Famously, when the Norse first discovered Iceland, they were surprised to find traces of these Irish pioneers ("bells, books and staffs"); at a later date, although the Vikings wreaked havoc upon so many religious communities, they seem to have spared those of the Céli Dé – perhaps consciously out of affinity or respect, but perhaps merely on account of their material poverty and asceticism.
The late 8th century divine, St. Maelruan of Tallaght, developed a model "rule" for the Céli Dé and clearly influenced the movement. It is especially interesting that St. Maelruan, whose foundation was dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, was believed to have had a personal archangelic sign, in the form of a clod of earth and a bible delivered from on high, to assist in his foundation. Note that St. Michael is associated with desert places (St. Michael's Mount, Skellig Michael etc.) and also that he was highly esteemed by the christian Vikings. His symbol is a balance and he weighed the merits and demerits of the dead before determining their entry to heaven or hell.
The obvious link between the vikings, Iceland and St. Buo (discussed above) is matched by a link between St. Michael and the famous Viking grave at Kiloran. This is the only known example of a ship-burial with christian overtones, and gravegoods included a balance with weights, the symbol of St. Michael, special patron of the Céli Dé . There is also a supposed Culdee origin to the chapel-site at Balnahard, formerly known as Cille Cairine, and I like to think that Dún Tealtaig is another such site. Originally it was spelled as Dún Ceilte, which I suspect is a simple corruption of "Dun Céli Dé" – dwelling-place of the Companions of God. My notion was independently supported by at least one archaeologist who looked at the site.
Kevin Byrne – Colonsay History
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Looking north, over the bogs and wee hills is Dun Gallian and what could only be described as an interesting golf course.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
Not quite down, one or two stones underneath trying hold the stone upright.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
A bit of a nightmare to find due to underfoot conditions, this place more than anywhere else resembles the east coast of Harris.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
The north outer wall leads to the dun's highest point at the entrance.
Image credit: drew/AMJ
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