Bealach Mor
Chapel (Medieval)(Possible)
Site Name Bealach Mor
Classification Chapel (Medieval)(Possible)
Canmore ID 4847
Site Number NC36SE 8
NGR NC 38 60
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/4847
- Council Highland
- Parish Durness
- Former Region Highland
- Former District Sutherland
- Former County Sutherland
NC36SE 8 38 60.
'The red priest is believed to have built a chapel at Bealoch Mhor between Durness (NC 403 677) and Eriboll (NC 432 565) at which the inhabitants of Eriboll occasionally worshipped . . . The red priest is said to have been the last incumbent of Farr (NC 7163) or of Durness previously to the Reformation and withal a worker of miracles.' (OPS 1855)
The only 'Bealach Mor' between Durness and Eriboll would appear to be at NC 3860. It seems ridiculous to sugest that the inhabitants of Eriboll worshipped here but the name 'Ach na h' Anaite' (NC 385 656) might have some relevance.
'The Red Priest' is also associated with Durness church (NC36NE 1) which, in turn, is associated with St Maelrubha. (See also Applecross (NG74NW 1) for the association of St Maelrubha and the 'Red Priest'.) Orig Paroch Scot 1855; Information contained in letter from E McIver to J Loch.
No further information was found locally regarding this site.
Visited by OS (J B) 22 April 1980.
