Monach Islands, Shillay, Monastery
Monastery (Period Unassigned)(Possible)
Site Name Monach Islands, Shillay, Monastery
Classification Monastery (Period Unassigned)(Possible)
Alternative Name(s) Siolaigh; Heisker Islands; North Uist
Canmore ID 9701
Site Number NF56SE 1
NGR NF 59280 62710
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/9701
- Council Western Isles
- Parish North Uist
- Former Region Western Isles Islands Area
- Former District Western Isles
- Former County Inverness-shire
SHILLAY It is believed that Celtic monks maintained a beacon here to guide mariners. The successor to this was D. & T. Stevenson's Lighthouse of 1864, with a tall, battered tower and twostorey, flat-roofed house, all of red brick. Operation ceased in 1942 but is to be revived.
Taken from "Western Seaboard: An Illustrated Architectural Guide", by Mary Miers, 2008. Published by the Rutland Press http://www.rias.org.uk
NF56SE 1 5928 6271
(NF 5928 6271) A small monastery is said to have stood upon the islet of Shillay (Heisker Islands), occupying the site of the present light-house [NF56SE 2]. It is identified by Carmichael (A Carmichael 1884) as Heisgeir nam Manach, from which was evidently derived the general name of the Monach group of islands (E Beveridge 1911).
(Not mentioned in Md. Religious Houses - Scotland.)
A Carmichael 1884; E Beveridge 1911.
There is no evidence of a monastery on the islet of Shillay. No further information.
Visited by OS (E G C), 19 June 1965.
