Arran, Lochranza, Ballarie, Saint Bride's Chapel

NR94NW 2 9449 4993.

(NR 9449 4993) Site of Chapel (NR).

OS 6" map, (1924)

About 30 years ago, John Kerr removed the foundations of this chapel, a building about 70 links by 30 (as pointed out by him on the ground). Nothing of it now remains. Near to, and surrounding it, cists containing human remains have been found.

Source: Name Book 1864.

St Bride's Chapel, Lochranza: There is no overground structure; almost the entire foundation has been removed. The site was dug over, and some large stones, evidently from the foundation, were found, indicating a building of about 30-40ft by 20-25ft, but it was impossible to be certain due to a lack of remains. This site is associated with the "nunnery" of Sir Walter Scott where the "Maid of Lorn" lived for a time. This description is ficticious, the remains are those of a simple chapel and there is no historic evidence of a convent having ever been here.

Source: J Balfour 1910; H Scott et al 1915-61.

Martin mentions a chapel of St James near the N end of Arran.

Source: M Martin 1934.

St James's Chapel, Lochranza.

Source: R McLellan 1977.

The published site falls within a level area 40.0m by 30.0m alongside the river (Glen Chalmadale) and there is no surface evidence of any structure. No further information could be obtained about any cists found near this site.

The dedication to St James (Martin 1934 and McLellan 1977) probably applies to the Parish Church of Lochranza (see NR95SW 4).

Visited by OS (B S) 6 December 1977.