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Lewis, Flodaigh
Building (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Lewis, Flodaigh
Classification Building (Period Unassigned)
Canmore ID 307011
Site Number NB14SW 23
NGR NB 12350 41210
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/307011
- Council Western Isles
- Parish Uig
- Former Region Western Isles Islands Area
- Former District Western Isles
- Former County Ross And Cromarty
Field Visit (2007)
NB 12350 41210 Remains of three cellular linked structures formerly corbelled with one passageway still retaining its lintels. As there appears to be an E/W orientation indicating a possible ecclesiastical structure, it may be that this structure was a retreat site for the Island of Pabaigh Mor or possibly Bearnaraigh Beag. Some 4m N of the structure, a setting of small orthostats encloses an area of 2.0 x 0.60m, which is possibly a grave.
A former Irish priest, Cornelius Con, after first being imprisoned in Eilean Donan Castle, Lochalsh, was then incarcerated on Eilean Flodaigh from 1691 until 1696 by the Earl of Seaforth. In 1696, he was further removed by Seaforth to North Rona, 40 miles off the Butt of Lewis, before being transferred by the Privy Council to Edinburgh Castle. Colonel Hill of Fort William took part in this incident at that time, and was also involved
in the story of MacIain of Glencoe. Though reports say that Cornelius Con was without shelter during his time on the island, it would have been impossible to survive for five years and in all probability, the three cellular structures were his habitation, with the possible irony of Seaforth giving him an ecclesiastical charge.
He was reprovisioned by Seaforth’s tacksman of Little Bernera every six weeks.
J Crawford 2007
