Islay, Gleann Na Gaoidh

(1) Pillar of Torridonian flagstone, of a type which outcrops further N in the Rinns, and also in the Portnahaven area. It measures 1.25m in length by 0.26m in maximum width. The upper half of the left edge has split off, and the surface of the butt has flaked off, probably accidentally. On one face is incised an outline cross whose long shaft overlies the transverse arm. An incised circle, drawn from a centre marked by a small depression, runs across the top arm and behind the other arms. While this discrepancy is probably the result of a carver's error, it may be intended to represent a wreath suspended from the cross, as found in Mediterranean art of the Early Christian period. (Lamont 1968).

Visited September 1975

RCAHMS 1984

RCAHMS created drawings of the three early medieval carved stones at Gleann na Gaoith' in 1982, including one in the Museum of Islay Life, Port Charlotte. The drawings were reproduced in ink at 1:15 (RCAHMS 1984, figs. 183B-D).

Clay-mortared chapel in small burial-ground above stream. Stones (1) and (3) are now at the Museum of Islay Life, Port Charlotte.

(1) Pillar, 1.25m by 0.26m, bearing an outline Latin cross whose shaft overlies the transom, with a circle, perhaps a wreath, round the junction.