Eilean Fhianain No. 4

This rectangular grave-slab, which lies prone on the northern burial mound 50m N of the church, measures 2.1m from E to W by 0.64m. The upper surface is worn, but contains within a beaded and line-engraved frame a rectangular panel for an inscription that is now largely illegible. Below this and in low relief is an ornamented gothic arch enclosing a figure of a laywoman who appears to be dressed in a hat and a high-collared, pendant-sleeved cloak over a tightly belted gown. To the left, a small dog rears up at her feet. Beneath this is a large foliate rosette surmounting two smaller examples and what may possibly be three human figures with an ox or a donkey. Comparison can be made between this stone and examples of the Iona School dated to the 14th and 15th centuries (cf Steer and Bannerman 1977; RCAHMS 1980; RCAHMS 1982).

Visited by HES Survey and Recording (ATW, GFG) March 2017.