Colonsay, The Strand

NR39SE 37 c370 903.

(Area NR 370 903) Two sanctuary crosses 100 apart marking the limits of the 'Tarmon' of Oronsay Priory (NR38NW 1) stood one on either side of the track across the Strand, and were covered for 12 hours of every 24.

S Grieve 1923; J de V Loder 1935

The western cross is prostrate on the sand and constructed of large loose stones usually covered with a dense growth of seaweed which has to be removed in order to see the cross properly. Loder considered this to be of comparatively recent construction. On the east side of the track built into a bed of masonry in 1923 were the remains of the shaft of a cross of dark stone. It stood 18" high and was easily discoverable although seaweed grew on the built foundation, but by 1935 the cross-shaft had gone and the site was hardly identifiable.

Grieve names them Crois an Tearmann, or Crois an Termonn (which are singular), Loder Crois an Tearmaid, and Prof Mackinnon, a native of Colonsay, Clach an Tearmainn. The local pronunciation of 'Termainn' is 'Tearmaid'.

W J Watson 1926

No trace of these crosses could be found. No further information.

Visited by OS (BS) 11 April 1974