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Pre-History

Introduction

The Kilmartin Valley is an area of enormous archaeological significance. There are more than 350 ancient monuments within a 6-mile radius of Kilmartin, and 150 of those are prehistoric, including standing stones, cairns and chambered tombs, some of the relics dating back 5000 years.

For information on the pre-historic sites in the area, click on "Pre-History" for details and photos. This page focuses on a few of the more recent historic sites in the Kilmartin area (although 'more recent' here may mean over a thousand years ago!)

Dunadd

A few miles down the valley (south) from Kilmartin is the fortified hillock at Dunadd, originally an iron-age fort, and by tradition an ancient crowning place and capital of the rulers of the early Scottish kingdom of Dal Riada founded by Fergus Mor in about AD 500. On the rocks here you can see an ancient carved out footprint and Ogham script. This is one of the most famous historic sites in Scotland. For a photograph of the approach to the fort, click HERE.

Duntrune Castle

Not far from Dunadd, a few miles west to the sea across Moine Mhor, is Duntrune Castle, home of the Chief of the Clan Malcolm, which is a private residence, not open for viewing by the public. (However there are 6 self-catering cottages on the estate - see accommodation information). From the hills above Duntrune you can get great views out to the islands, and even from the road you can see Jura across the waters. Duntrune Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, and has been in Malcolm hands since 1562. Most of the keep is 16th Century but vaulted rooms on the ground floor date from the 12th Century. The castle has a well-authenticated ghostly piper.

Carnasserie Castle

Just a mile or so north of Kilmartin is the 16th Century Carnasserie Castle, a little way off the road, and in disrepair. But it is a beautiful, peaceful location. The Castle was built for John Carswell, who was Bishop of Argyll and the Isles. He was responsible for the first book printed in Gaelic, a translation of Knox's Book of Prayer. The castle was captured and partly blown up in 1685. There is access to tower and the castle is open all year.

Kilmartin Church Stones

Kilmartin Church (built only recently in 1835) is on the site of earlier places of worship and has a collection of early Christian crosses and graveslabs, dating from 1300 to 1700. These used to prop up the churchyard wall but are now mostly sheltered from the elements. Most are the work of a group of sculptors working around Loch Awe in the late 14th - 15th centuries, depicting men with spears, swords, and several claymores. Pictures of 3 of the artefacts can be seen HERE and another picture can be seen HERE.

Kilmartin House

Although paying particular attention to prehistoric sites, the Museum at Kilmartin House is a good starting point for a general historic exploration of the area. Visit Kilmartin House, in the village, (website here: www.kilmartin.org ) which houses a Museum of Ancient Culture and visitor centre. It also has a café. Contact details: Kilmartin House Trust, Kilmartin, Argyll, Scotland PA31 8RQ; Tel: 01546-510278; Fax: 01546-510330; e-mail museum@kilmartin.org

For Pre-Historic Sites...

There is a separate page with information on the pre-historic sites in the Kilmartin area. I've put up some links to photos and the page is HERE.